Retired Santa Anita Paddock Captain Shear Dies at 102

John Shear, the award-winning paddock captain at Santa Anita Park who retired in 2020 after six decades of service to the California racing industry, died Dec. 12 from natural causes at age 102, according to a social media post from his family. "He had that smile and happiness 'til the end," his family wrote across multiple social media platforms, including X. "John had a remarkable life with love for family and dedication to work that made such a positive impact on so many. He will forever be in our hearts." Shear, honored by the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters with its Mr. Fitz Award in 2021 for typifying the spirit of racing, famously risked his life in 2011 in his position overseeing the paddock at Santa Anita when he placed himself between a loose horse and a child—resulting in multiple fractures and life-threatening internal bleeding. But he recovered and returned to work, maintaining his presence as one of Santa Anita's most recognizable and popular employees. "John will be deeply missed by countless lifelong friends here at Santa Anita," said Nate Newby, Santa Anita senior vice president and general manager. "We were honored to have him as part of the Santa Anita family for more than 60 years of dedicated service, and we'll never forget him." Santa Anita honored him two years ago by renaming the Santana Mile the John Shear Mile. Orphaned at a young age in his native England, Shear sustained a shoulder injury while serving in an anti-aircraft unit during World War II. Shear later wished to be jockey as a young man before emigrating to Canada to work as an exercise rider and later an assistant trainer. In an interview before his 99th birthday in January 2020, Shear described his move to California. "I was exercising horses for a guy in Vancouver (in 1954), and he asked me if I'd like to go with him to Santa Anita that fall," said Shear, as quoted in a press release by Santa Anita Park in announcing the stakes race in his honor. "I said, 'Sure,' and as soon as I stepped off that van in the stable area here, I said, 'Lord, this is where I want to be.' The place was so incredibly beautiful, and I've never gotten tired of it." Light and around five feet in height, Shear stayed healthy past his 100th birthday, maintaining a daily exercise regimen that included push-ups. He is survived by his wife, Diane, and their son, Michael, who said the family would have a private ceremony in honor of his father in the near future.