R. Larry Johnson: A Legacy of Excellence

R. Larry Johnson, the owner of Legacy Farm in Virginia, will be remembered as a passionate and successful breeder and owner whose impact on the Thoroughbred industry, particularly in Maryland and Virginia, spanned decades. His remarkable ability to consistently produce quality racehorses and his enduring contributions to the sport solidified his place as a respected leader in the industry.

Johnson passed away on Feb. 4, 2025, at the age of 78. Details on memorial services are not yet available.

A former Vice President of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) Board of Directors, Johnson’s horses earned more than $17.6 million between 2000 and 2025, with the majority being homebred runners. His racing record is a testament to his success: his horses made 3,132 starts, securing 458 wins, 449 second-place finishes, and 436 third-place finishes.

“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of R. Larry Johnson, an incredibly dedicated horseman and former MTHA Vice President,” remarked MTHA Executive Director David Richardson.

“Larry was a passionate advocate for the Maryland racing industry, a committed breeder and owner, and a steadfast voice for the industry. His leadership, vision, and tireless efforts helped shape the future of Thoroughbred racing in our state. His contributions will not be forgotten, and his impact will continue to be felt throughout the Maryland racing community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him.”

Trainer A. Ferris Allen, a member of the MTHA Board who worked alongside Johnson on both the Maryland and Virginia breeding and racing programs, credited Johnson for his passion and unparalleled knowledge of the business.

“Larry Johnson forged to a prominent position in the Thoroughbred industry through decades of attacking the game wholeheartedly and relentlessly,” Allen said. “Breeding, racing, buying, selling, standing stallions—he relished it all.

“He was a tough nut to bargain with, whether on horsemen’s issues or at the auction ring. Fair, though. And honorable. The game is better because of him. The game will miss Larry Johnson.”

Johnson’s career in breeding began in 1978 when he purchased the mare Ran’s Chick for $2,800—a purchase he would later describe as a mistake. However, over the years, that decision proved pivotal, as more than 40 stakes horses have since descended from that family. Johnson bred numerous stakes winners in both Maryland and Virginia, leaving a lasting legacy in both states.

Trainer Mike Trombetta, who has trained the majority of Johnson’s horses for decades, reflected on Johnson’s dedication and success.

“Larry had a knack for breeding good horses and putting it all together, and he really, really enjoyed it,” Trombetta said. “He did a little bit of both—breed to race and sell a few. Many of his fillies would race and move on to be broodmares. It snowballed, and it has done nothing but get better.”

In 2024, Johnson’s homebred filly Future Is Now, by Great Notion, won two Grade II stakes: the Intercontinental Stakes at Saratoga Race Course and the Franklin Stakes at Keeneland. The Maryland-bred filly has earned more than $600,000 and is a nominee for both the Renaissance Awards and MTHA Awards, which will honor achievements in 2024 competition.

Trombetta recalled Johnson and his family attending Future Is Now’s victory at Saratoga.

“She’s on the comeback trail now, and I’m glad he got to enjoy that,” Trombetta said. “She gave him a lot of good memories, and that was one of his career highlights as a breeder.”

Throughout his career, Johnson bred and owned several top racehorses, including three Grade III winners: Spun Glass, Sincerely, and Street Magician, whom Johnson stood as a stallion in Maryland following a successful racing career that earned $254,000. His top earner as a breeder was Strike the Moon, a Kentucky-bred by Malibu Moon, who was graded-stakes placed and earned $680,000.

Trombetta also reflected on his long relationship with Johnson, which began at a sale where Trombetta bought his first stakes winner from him.

“We go way back,” Trombetta said. “We hit it off, and Larry always has been a huge supporter and player. He was very involved in this business, and there are very few able to replace him.”

Johnson’s contributions to the Thoroughbred industry were immense and enduring, and his passion for the sport will continue to inspire future generations of breeders and horsemen. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, integrity, and success that will remain a cornerstone of racing in Maryland and Virginia for years to come.