“He Was Tough”: Horse Racing Mourns the Loss of Joe Servis at 92, Here’s A Glimpse into His American Journey

Joe Servis of Charles Town was a renowned name in the jockey community. Having raced for 11 whole years, the jockey was a staunch equestrian at heart. Though he retired from racing decades ago, he only really stepped aside on the 14th of November after succumbing to cancer.

According to Joe’s son, John, the equestrian passed away following a complication with his bladder cancer. The jockey was 92 when he took his final breath. However, as he moved on, Joe left behind a legacy for ages and not just with his works. With Joe’s noticeable passion, came along a continued legacy from that of his enthusiastic family. A combined sense calls for the greatness that Joe Servis held.

Joe Servis’s horse racing path

The jockey remained a rider for a good part of 11 years. Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia were some of the tracks that Joe covered during his time. Following his career, the equestrian hoped to be a manager of the Jockeys’ Guild in the 1960s whose one base operation constituted Churchill Downs. John states that it was his father who helped draw up the plans for a renovated jockey?s room down there; further adding that Joe remained proud of the initiation; reports Daily Racing Form.

Interestingly, that wasn’t the end for Servis. Following his manager role at Jockey’s Guild, he turned towards being a steward for over 25 years at Charles Town from 1972 through 1999. His work extended from West Virginia to fill-in work at Monmouth Park, Parx, and Penn National. His relentless and dedicated services earned him a spot at the Charles Town Hall of Fame in 2010.

John says that his father remains remembered from his time in the industry. ?I?ve heard from a lot of people since he died and those who knew him as a steward said he was tough, but he was always fair.? And with his passing, his family carries on with his standing.

The equestrian’s continued legacy

Joe’s passion for racing and equestrian was felt by the entirety of his family who grew up to follow the path. His two sons, John and Jason Servis went on to be Thoroughbred trainers. As for his daughters, one of them married a trainer and the other supposedly watches the races more than the rest. While all 4 have walked on well, John remains rather successful. As of 2023, his start count stands at 11,434 with an acclaimed win at Kentucky Derby in 2004.

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?He instilled a very strong work ethic in the family,? John Servis said. “He was a great mentor. He was the kind of person where he would never sugarcoat anything. If you asked him a question, you got his response whether you liked it or not.”?He further adds that Joe’s answer often led one down the right line. Though Joe tried to keep his kids away from the sport, they now hold up what he once believed and help carry on for ages.

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