Edward Bowen, a long-time racing journalist and historian, passed away at the age of 82 at his home in Versailles, Kentucky. Bowen served as the Blood-Horse Editor-In-Chief from 1987-1992 and spent 24 years as the president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. He was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the history and traditions of horse racing and was a respected ambassador for the sport.
Bowen’s retirement from Grayson in 2018 was marked by a tribute book presented by fellow staffers, highlighting his dedication to the industry. Throughout his career, Bowen wrote 22 books on racing, held multiple industry positions, and won awards such as the Eclipse Award in 1972 for outstanding writing. He was also involved in various organizations, including serving as a trustee of the National Museum of Racing.
Under Bowen’s leadership, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation progressed from a lesser-known equine research funder to a premier foundation in the field. His dedication to research and the health of Thoroughbreds was widely recognized, and his passing was mourned by colleagues and the racing community. Bowen is survived by his wife, Ruthie, his son, two daughters, and two granddaughters.
