Posted on 03/30/2014 7:38:11 AM PDT by ConservativeStatement
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Harry Hubbard Johnson, who recently left the employ of trainer Steve Asmussen at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Ark., committed suicide Friday in Kentucky.
Johnson was Asmussen’s shed foreman, a position that ranks a level below assistant trainer. He died two days following his 27th birthday.
“He was a kind soul and a pleasure to be around,” Asmussen said Saturday. “I feel horrible for the whole Johnson family.”
Johnson’s death comes a little more than a week after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) released controversial video and audio footage recorded undercover in the Asmussen stable at Churchill Downs and Saratoga in 2013. Most of the recordings featured Scott Blasi, the longtime assistant trainer to Asmussen who was fired last week.
(Excerpt) Read more at drf.com ...
Racing ping. Was surprised it was that Asmussen, on a FR title I happened to see.
Asmussen has a potential contender in the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby is May 3) trail.
He quits & then commits suicide......hmmm
There is a problem with over-use of drugs in race horses. However PETA has been known to infiltrate places of business in order to stage a video to destroy that business.
I can imagine Stevie would not tolerate abuse of his horses if he knew, which would explain the firings and possible suicide. I know the Asmussens well, they are cousins of mine and Steve’s dad grew up with my mom.
Do you know if he attended either the track in Louisiana or Florida this past weekend? Both had key races and I think he sent horses to both state derbies. Thanks.
I don’t know. I haven’t talked to Steve or Sis for awhile now, but I do know how much he loves and cares for the horses. Now the illegal immigration issue I could see, that is Asmussen business tactics for that side of the family, but not the animal abuse or cheating.
Hub was also a prodigy in sporting clays before he switched to horses.
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=396664
Not a single comment here that would speak to having less than the most outstanding character.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.