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 the 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 felt fortunate to work for such industry leaders as John Hettinger and Dell Hancock, chairs of the foundation, plus active and dedicated boards of directors. The Foundation supports research for all horses, not only Thoroughbreds.

This story will be updated