Where others had failed, it was Sloan, through his persistence, creativity, and initiative, who convinced Keeneland chairman of the board James E. "Ted" Bassett III to put on a steeplechase race back in 1998. Three years later, under a heavenly mist, as the horses in the Royal Chase for the Sport of Kings (NSA-I) engaged each jump, and time seemed to stand still when they reached mid-air, 'ooohs' and 'aaaahs' rained down from racing's most sophisticated fans, rich and poor.

It is a scene repeated at many major American racetracks because of the tireless work of George Sloan, who knew in his heart the mantra of every salesman with a product he believes in: Try it, you'll like it.

Not satisfied with being a champion amateur steeplechase rider in both the United States and Great Britain, a feat no one else has approached, Sloan desperately sought to popularize his sport by putting it before the American public. He was so compelling that this magazine, dedicated though it is to flat racing, planned to devote several pages to his story in this issue. Instead, regrettably, we present this remembrance after learning of his Oct. 10 death at age 62.

Sloan was born into horses in Franklin, Tenn. His grandfather started fox-hunting in Nashville in the '20s. His father took up riding as well, and the two elders held pasture races, which, in 1941, evolved into the Iroquois Steeplechase. George was riding pony races at eight, but no thought was given to a professional career. "Back then jockeys were pretty low on the social order," he recalled. "I was supposed to get a job and work. My father didn't want me hanging around barns. It was a class thing in those days. But I started hanging around the barn and learned the language pretty good."

He also learned how to ride, becoming a licensed amateur jockey at 15. In 1970 the corporate lawyer-turned-entrepreneur captured his first U.S. amateur riding title. Like a European basketball player who comes to America to play against the best, Sloan crossed the sea to Great Britain, where steeplechasing is revered. He rode for trainer Ron Price with some success, and was urged by fellow rider Josh Gifford to stay in England, where he could become champ. Even though the boast was made over drinks, Sloan took it to heart.

Putting his business affairs in order, the willowy Sloan returned to the U.K. in 1977, but early in the season his horse fell on a jump and a trailing horse broke Sloan's leg. One year later, he was luckier, suffering only a broken nose and mild concussion on his way to securing the English crown, the first time a foreigner had done so. The Brits took to him like crumpets to tea. The Queen Mother chatted him up about his horses at her cocktail party. "I could get in a taxi over there and the driver would know me," Sloan said. "One driver came in to Kempton Park with me. I won the race, and he won a bet."

In 1987 Sloan founded the International Steeplechase Group to foster competition in the States while aiding charities. Sloan convinced his friend, Princess Anne, to make her U.S. riding debut in an early event. The steeplechase series was an immediate success, and has contributed more than $3 million to charities across the country. Through Sloan's work, events are held at Churchill Downs, Pimlico, Belmont Park, Arlington Park, Tampa Bay Downs, and Keeneland, to name just a few, and in England, Ireland, and Wales as well.

Sloan stopped race-riding at the ripe age of 56, having amassed an amateur record of 148 wins. "His enthusiasm was infectious," said Elizabeth James, Sloan's assistant of five years. "When you were with him and he was onto something, you immediately took on his excitement."

"George was one of these remarkably determined people," said his lifelong friend Jonny Harwell. "He loved the challenge of life, and he was always on to the next thing."

Sadly now, that is true.