Sun’s Jet Parade: 1957 World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse

Sun’s Jet Parade, a black stallion foaled in 1951, became the World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse in 1957, carrying on the legendary bloodlines of Midnight Sun and Merry Boy. His exceptional style, action, and lineage made him one of the most celebrated horses of his time.

Pedigree and Early Life

Sun’s Jet Parade was bred by Wayne Longmire of Knoxville, Tennessee, and was initially registered under the name Security Sun. He was sired by the legendary Midnight Sun, the two-time World Grand Champion (1945 and 1946), and out of Merry Sue (#380481), a mare by Merry Boy (#350189).

Dam Lineage

Merry Sue was bred by W. H. Davis of Wartrace, Tennessee, and produced eight colts, three of which were by Midnight Sun.
Merry Sue’s dam, Dainty Lady, was by Giovanni, and her third dam was a daughter of Eph Lexington, a pacing horse with a record of 2:06.
Merry Sue also produced notable horses such as Diamond Merry Boy and the sensational Merry Boy Skipper.

Sun’s Jet Parade had a single marking: a star on his forehead, which added to his striking appearance.

Ownership and Early Career

As a two-year-old, Sun’s Jet Parade was owned by E. P. Riley of Gainesville, Georgia, who later sold him to Boyce Hogan of Washington, Georgia. Hogan retained Vic Thompson of Shelbyville, Tennessee, as the trainer for the promising colt.

In 1956, Jet Parade made a strong impression at the Celebration Horse Show. He tied reserve in one of the most competitive events for stallions four-years-old and over and placed fourth in the Grand Championship Stake. Later that year, at the Dixie Jubilee in Baton Rouge, he won the stallion and gelding class, catching the attention of G. G. Gardebled of New Orleans, Louisiana, who purchased him before the stake event. Jet Parade went on to win the Grand Championship of the Dixie Jubilee the very next night.

The 1957 Celebration: A Undefeated Champion

Under the expert training and guidance of Vic Thompson, Sun’s Jet Parade entered the 1957 Celebration undefeated. He was one of the most talked-about horses leading up to the event and lived up to the hype with a series of remarkable performances.

Key Wins at the 1957 Celebration

Walking Stallions, Four-Years-Old and Over: Jet Parade defeated a field of stallions, including two future World Grand Champions, showcasing his exceptional speed, style, and action.
Grand Championship Stake: In the final class, Sun’s Jet Parade delivered a decisive performance to be crowned World Grand Champion Walking Horse for 1957.

This victory also earned Vic Thompson and Sun’s Jet Parade a leg on the prestigious Musgrave Challenge Trophy.

Legacy and Untimely Death

Sun’s Jet Parade was destined for a promising career as a sire, but his life was tragically cut short. Despite his untimely death, his influence on the Tennessee Walking Horse breed remains significant. His exceptional performances and undefeated record leading up to the 1957 Celebration solidified his place in history as one of the greatest horses of his time.

All of Sun’s Jet Parade’s victories were achieved under the tutelage of Vic Thompson, whose training played a pivotal role in the stallion’s success.

Sun’s Jet Parade remains a symbol of excellence in the Tennessee Walking Horse world, remembered for his grace, power, and championship legacy.