Johnny Burke, the head trainer at Darley’s training barn at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, embodies a lifetime of experience dedicated to optimizing the performance of racehorses. His philosophy centers on ensuring each horse reaches its peak condition, allowing for a seamless transition to their next stage of training and ultimately, success on the racetrack. Burke’s journey into the world of Thoroughbreds began not by choice, but by birth, as he was born in Mallow, County Cork, Ireland, in 1960, the son of a steeplechase trainer. He proudly states, “I was born in it,” underscoring his deep-rooted connection to the sport. His father, a steeplechase jockey and the last living apprentice of the legendary Vincent O’Brien, instilled in Johnny a profound understanding of horse training from a young age. Johnny recalls vivid memories of his father’s races and became actively involved in the stable at the age of 12, a time when his father was a private trainer for the Earl of Harrington. Previously, he was not permitted in the yard, but one fateful day, his father allowed him to stay, marking the beginning of his lifelong career. By 13, Johnny was riding out for his father, recalling his first fast workout on the grounds where the Limerick racecourse now stands, a time before helmets and vests were mandatory.
After completing high school, a requirement set by his father, Burke enrolled in the Irish National Stud Course. He excelled, graduating with the Silver Medal as the second-highest-ranking student. His application was facilitated by Dr. Michael Osborne, whose son, Joe Osborne, is now the Managing Director of Darley’s Kildangan operation. Burke acknowledges the significant influence Dr. Osborne has had on his career. Initially planning to move to Australia, Burke instead remained in Ireland to work for renowned jump trainer Fred Winter. He continues to incorporate Winter’s training routines into his own methods today, reflecting on the invaluable experience gained at such a young age. In 1981, through continued contact with Dr. Osborne, Burke returned to the Irish National Stud as a foreman for students, a group that included notable future figures like Eoin Harty, James Keogh, Niall Brennan, Jim Fitzgerald, Murray Johnson, and veterinarian Dr. Sam Bradley. During his second tenure at the Irish National Stud, Burke’s roommate was Shane Coleman, now a jockey in Australia. Coleman was instrumental in helping Burke secure a position at Lindsey Park in Australia, where he worked for a year and a half starting in 1981. He described the facility as one where one could spend 24 hours a day and experience every facet of the business. Despite being offered a permanent role at Lindsey Park, Burke’s ambition led him to the United States.
Burke spent six and a half years working for Carl Nafzger, galloping horses and eventually overseeing his second string for the last three to four years of his tenure. In 1989, he moved to Ocala, Florida, with assistance from Niall Brennan, completing two seasons preparing two-year-olds for sale. He then relocated to Lexington, Kentucky, where he galloped for trainer Tony Foyt during the Keeneland Spring meet. A subsequent opportunity arose at Gainsborough Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, where he continued to gallop horses, including notable ones like Shadeed. In September 1991, Johnny Burke received his first horse to train from Frank and Jonathan Sheppherd. With a stall provided by Keeneland and located in Pat Byrnes’ barn, Burke trained the horse in the mornings and galloped at Gainsborough in the afternoons. After a couple of months at Gainsborough, he began taking on additional horses. By November, he had established his own operation at a training center outside Lexington. His wife provided the initial loan for the first stall rent, with the understanding that he would give it a couple of years. Fifteen years later, he still remained. His first official winner as a trainer came in April 1992 with the horse Rare Talent, owned by Pin Oak Farm.
He continued with his public stable until early 2006 when Jimmy Bell, President of Darley in America, contacted him about potential rehab work. Burke assisted with rehabilitation and also trained horses for Darley that were destined for sale in foal. In August 2006, Jimmy Bell offered Burke the opportunity to establish and manage a training center at Keeneland specifically for Darley horses requiring extended time off or rehabilitative care. Having experienced several serious falls, Burke and his wife decided it was time for a career change. He informed Bell that he needed a month to disperse his own stable, which included prominent clients like Pin Oak and Alice Chandler.
Johnny Burke commenced his role at Darley’s Keeneland barn on Monday, October 23, 2006. By the end of that week, he was managing 29 horses and had a team of four employees. He has never looked back, noting that in nine years, approximately 500 to 600 horses have passed through his care at Keeneland. His training methodology is pragmatic and adaptable. He implements a structured schedule for each horse, drawing heavily on the experience and training gained throughout his career. “As long as we get the end product, there’s a 100 ways to pluck a chicken. I adapt to the horse depending on what they need,” Burke explained. He has witnessed many exceptional horses under his tutelage, but highlights Music Note and Cocoa Beach as two of his particular favorites.
In September 2015, Johnny Burke will celebrate 20 years of marriage to his wife, Patricia. They have twin sons, 13-year-old Levi and Caleb, who are set to enter high school at Henry Clay in Lexington, Kentucky, in the fall.
