Colorado Avalanche: Erik Johnson’s Horse in Grade 1 Race at Belmont

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson watched his horse race in the Woody Stephens at Belmont Park yesterday.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson can be a very busy guy. As I’ve written on Mile High Sticking before, Johnson’s hobby is horse racing. Or, more accurately, he invests in race horses and has them trained.

Naturally, our alternate captain’s main focus during the season is hockey. However, racehorse development is something he’s pursued in his time off for a few years now.

Well, naturally, Johnson’s two passions have crossed paths. He named one of his newest racehorses after his captain and good friend, Gabriel Landeskog.

NBC Sports talked to Johnson about why he named his horse Landeskog. Erik replied:

"“Gabe was kind of laughing that we’d name a fast horse after him. He’s a good looking horse. Gabe is praised by a lot of the ladies for his good looks. So we thought we’d name this one after Gabe.”"

The first part is in reference that Landeskog, the Avalanche captain, is not known for being speedy.

Here’s the snippet:

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That is, indeed, a very handsome horse. And our cap is, indeed, classically handsome as well.

Anyway, Landeskog, the horse, participated in the Woody Stephens, a Grade 1 race with a purse of $400,000. The race took place at Belmont Part in Elmont, New York, which is just east of New York City. The park is home to Belmont Stakes, another Grade 1 race, and one that’s the third race of the Triple Crown (along with the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes).

Well, as you can see above, Johnson attended the Woody Stephens to watch his horse, which isn’t too surprising. I’m not sure about you, but as soon as I saw the video clip I focused on Erik’s left shoulder. He had surgery on that shoulder as soon as the season was done.

I don’t see a sling, but that doesn’t mean much. Johnson could have slipped it off for the interview. Nonetheless, I’m sure his healing process is going quite well.

Back to the Woody Stephens. Alas, Landeskog lost. Here’s video of the race. Landeskog is #5, and his jockey is wearing a deep blue jersey:

You can see Landeskog crossing the finish line at the 1:28 mark. He finished #9 out of 11 horses.  😳Oops.

Maybe Erik Johnson should name his next horse MacKinnon.

Landeskog, the horse, won his debut race on March 31st. He participated in the Bachelor Stakes in April, finishing second. Landeskog, the man, participated in the IIHF Worlds, skating for Sweden.