Renowned Trainer John Shirreffs Passes Away

The conditioner of champion Zenyatta was widely respected for his intuitive methods and ability to get the most out of his horses.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Thoroughbred trainer John Shirreffs, best known for conditioning champion mare Zenyatta, passed away on February 12, 2026. Shirreffs was widely respected in the racing industry for his unconventional training techniques and deep understanding of horses. He achieved numerous upsets over the course of his career, including winning the 2005 Kentucky Derby with 50-1 longshot Giacomo.

Why it matters

Shirreffs was a beloved figure in the sport of horse racing, known for his ability to connect with his horses and bring out their full potential. His passing marks the end of an era, as he was one of the last of a generation of trainers who prioritized the wellbeing of their horses above all else.

The details

Shirreffs, a former Marine who once considered becoming a surfer, developed an intuitive training style that allowed him to get the best out of his horses. His most famous pupil was the undefeated mare Zenyatta, whom he campaigned to 19 consecutive wins, including 13 Grade 1 victories. Shirreffs made a point of sharing Zenyatta with the public, allowing fans to interact with her at his barn.

  • Shirreffs passed away on February 12, 2026.
  • He won the 2005 Kentucky Derby with 50-1 longshot Giacomo.
  • Zenyatta's 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic victory made her the only female to win the race.
  • Shirreffs' final graded stakes winner was Baeza, who won the 2025 Pennsylvania Derby.

The players

John Shirreffs

A renowned Thoroughbred trainer who was best known for conditioning champion mare Zenyatta.

Zenyatta

The undefeated champion mare trained by John Shirreffs, who won 19 consecutive races including 13 Grade 1 victories.

Giacomo

A 50-1 longshot that Shirreffs trained to win the 2005 Kentucky Derby.

Baeza

The final graded stakes winner trained by Shirreffs, who won the 2025 Pennsylvania Derby.

Mac McBride

The media director at Del Mar racetrack, who praised Shirreffs' ability to connect with his horses and share them with the public.

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What they’re saying

“He realized early on that Zenyatta was special and he went out of his way to share her and her uniqueness with as many people as possible.”

— Mac McBride, Del Mar media director

“I always tell my wife Dottie that wow is a great thing in horses whether it be working them or racing. Wow is exciting and wow opens the door to dreaming of possibilities.”

— John Shirreffs (Forbes)

“I believe good moonshine is crystal clear and will eat the bottom out of a Styrofoam cup. Horses are seldom crystal clear and in horse racing every day is a challenge. It has to be earned, nothing is given.”

— John Shirreffs (Forbes)

The takeaway

Shirreffs' passing marks the end of an era in horse racing, as he was one of the last of a generation of trainers who prioritized the wellbeing and potential of their horses above all else. His unconventional training methods and deep connection with his horses, exemplified by his work with Zenyatta, made him a beloved figure in the sport.