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John Griggs (Dr. Griggs). Dr. Griggs served on the board of
directors of the Midwest Steeplechase Association and had been
involved successfully in the steeplechase business for many
years. He was honored by the National Steeplechase Association
on several occasions for having superior horses, and he has
trained horses that won the Eclipse Award, which is the highest
honor awarded to a steeplechase horse.
The stables would typically have five to six horses in
training at a time. Gillian Johnston owns all of the
steeplechase horses that she trains; she does not train other
people's horses. Generally, she would get the horses in
competitive condition at GJ and then she would send them to
experts in Pennsylvania for galloping and jumping training. The
horses would be returned to the stables for further exercise
prior to being entered into a steeplechase tournament.
During the years in issue, Gillian Johnston spent most of
her time tending to the business of GJ Stables. On weekdays, she
would work in the stables from 8:30 a.m. until late afternoon
with the help of one assistant. On weekends, she would work in
the stables all day, starting at 7 a.m., without any assistance.
Once trained, the horses would compete for substantial purses on
the regular steeplechase circuit. Currently, purses at some of
these races exceed $100,000. GJ's horses have won major
steeplechase races, including Saratoga in 1987 and 1991. Gillian
Johnston has not done any steeplechase racing in this country;
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