Veteran Journalist, Racing Historian Bowen Dies at 82

No one loved Thoroughbred racing—the sport and the community—more than Ed Bowen. Many share the veteran journalist and racing historian's passion, but his dedication to capturing the stories of the sport's colorful characters and the exhilarating feats of its athletes was unsurpassed. The community lost Bowen Jan. 20 when he died at home in Versailles, Ky. He was 82. During Bowen's recognition in 2022 as the Thoroughbred Club of America's Honor Guest, his son, George, introduced him and referred to an article in which his father was called a "steward" of the sport. "That is such a beautiful compliment. A steward cares for something, you nurture something, but it really means you were given something and you give it back better than how you received. I think we can agree the Thoroughbred industry is better because of my father," he said. Bowen, a racing journalist and historian for more than 60 years, is a former editor-in-chief of The Blood-Horse magazine and author of more than 20 books on horse racing. He also served 24 years as president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, traditionally the leading source of funding for veterinary research specifically to promote horse health and soundness. Bowen was born Dec. 23, 1942, in Welch, W. Va. His family moved to South Florida, and he grew up in Fort Lauderdale. His interest in horses began with horseback riding, reading the Black Stallion books by Walter Farley, and watching locally televised stakes races from Hialeah Park and Gulfstream Park. After high school and during summers while attending the University of Florida, Bowen worked at the Sun-Sentinel newspaper, on the broodmare crew at Ocala Stud, and as a hot walker and groom at Monmouth Park. In 1963, he landed a writing job at The Blood-Horse and transferred to the University of Kentucky, where he studied journalism. "He loved horses, and he loved horse people. Every story. He lived it," said Bowen's wife, Ruthie. "He followed the races on the weekend and sent emails to people when they won. He loved the sport. He liked the guy at the barn, he liked the owners, he just loved the whole deal." Bowen became editor of the monthly Canadian Horse magazine in Toronto from 1968-70 and then returned to Lexington to become managing editor of The Blood-Horse. In January 1987, he succeeded his mentor, Kent Hollingsworth, as editor-in-chief. Bowen held that post for five years, was transferred to senior editor in 1992, and left the publication in 1993. He was hired as president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in 1994. During his 24 years with Grayson, Bowen had said he felt fortunate to work with industry leaders as John Hettinger and Dell Hancock, chairs of the foundation, plus many active and dedicated boards of directors. Bowen and Hancock first worked together in the early 1970s when Hancock was shooting photos for The Blood-Horse. As with so many people in Bowen's life, they maintained a lifelong friendship. "I never heard Ed say anything bad about anyone, and I never heard anyone say anything bad about Ed—and there are not a lot of people you can say that about when it works both ways," Hancock said. "He was a true gentleman, he was smart, just so many things to so many people." She added that Bowen was such an effective president for Grayson because he was a great communicator and due to his personal integrity. "Needless to say, he was a beautiful writer and his letters were second to none," she said. "And everyone knew Ed from being around the racetrack, knew he loved the game, and so they listened when he said the foundation was good for the horses and they needed to support it." From 1994 until his retirement at the end of 2018, Bowen's role at the foundation included raising sufficient funds to provide $22 million for research projects that benefited all horses, not just Thoroughbreds—a mission important personally to Bowen. He oversaw the first year the foundation was able to give out $1 million for equine research and was proud that when he left his position, the foundation was still giving out at least $1 million per year, according to Jamie Haydon, president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation who succeeded Bowen. "Everybody who came in contact with him gained a piece of knowledge about the horse and our industry," said Haydon. "Even our researchers and clinicians loved to take the opportunity to talk to Ed and pick his brain about something because there was always something to be gained." "Ed's passing is a huge loss in so many ways. His encyclopedic knowledge of the history and traditions of the sport was unequaled—and often served as a resource for many of us who needed to be guided by the past," added Jim Gagliano, president and chief operating officer for The Jockey Club. "His enthusiastic leadership at Grayson on behalf of research and the health of the Thoroughbred led to some of the most important initiatives in the history of the breed. Finally, Ed was a peerless ambassador for the sport, always searching for the bright side of stories, and in doing so he was a true gentleman. On behalf of my colleagues at The Jockey Club and our related organizations, we grieve for his wife, Ruthie, his children, and his many friends." During and after his employment at The Blood-Horse, Bowen authored 22 racing books for Eclipse Press and other publishers and contributed chapters, forewords, or prefaces for 17 additional volumes on Thoroughbreds and two books on natural attractions open to the public. His top-selling books included "Matriarchs: Great Mares of the 20th Century," which was the first book published by Eclipse Press; along with "Man o' War" from the Thoroughbred Legends series, and "At the Wire: Horse Racing's Greatest Moments." "Ed's contributions to the Thoroughbred library are incalculable," said Jacqueline Duke, editor of Keeneland magazine who headed Eclipse Press, the book division of BloodHorse. Bowen also continued to contribute stories to BloodHorse and was a frequent contributor to Keeneland magazine. He delighted readers with his unrivaled knowledge of the sport. Apart from his contributions as a writer and Turf historian, Duke said, "Ed was a terrific raconteur and a gentleman from the old school. Even before our book ventures, I knew Ed as a kind mentor to an upstart journalist. He explained people, politics, and the idiosyncrasies of the horse business. He and his wife, Ruthie, became my good friends." "As a prolific author and storyteller, often through beautifully told features for Keeneland magazine, Ed made racing's important history come alive for a legion of fans," added Shannon Arvin, president and CEO for Keeneland. "He also was an invaluable patron and supporter of Keeneland Library. We at Keeneland will never forget his friendship, kindness, and his dedication to the betterment of the sport." Bowen's extensive knowledge of racing and breeding history also made him an asset to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He was a museum trustee and served as chair of the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee since 1987. He currently chaired the Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor Selection Committee and Historic Review Committee and served previously on the Pillars of the Turf Committee and Steeplechase Review Committee. "Ed Bowen was an icon in racing and journalism and a tireless supporter and ambassador of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame," said Brien Bouyea, communications director for the National Museum and Hall of Fame. During Bouyea's first morning on the job, Bowen introduced himself and welcomed Bouyea like family. They talked for two hours. "Ed was the definition of a gentleman, one of the kindest people I have ever met. I consider myself most fortunate to have had Ed as a mentor and friend," Bouyea recalled. "He was a human racing encyclopedia, and his love for the sport was unsurpassed. He leaves behind an immeasurable legacy, a true giant of American racing." Bowen received many awards for his writing, including an Eclipse Award (magazine division), National Turf Writers Association's Walter Haight Award, Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' Charles Engelhard Award, Pimlico's Old Hilltop Award, ForeWord Magazine's Gold Level designation (Sports Category), and the Ocala-Marion County Chamber of Commerce Journalism Award. Since its inception in 1971, Bowen has been part of the Eclipse Awards both as a recipient and writer. He will be recognized and acknowledged at the 54th awards program Jan. 23 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. Bowen was honored as a Kentucky Colonel in 2022 and was a past president of the Thoroughbred Club of America and a former board member of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. He served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Besides his son, Bowen also is the father of daughters Jennifer Schafhauser (Eric) and Tracy Bowen and of granddaughters Emily Schafhauser and Julia Schafhauser. Arrangements are pending.