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Johnny Adams Veteran Johnny Adams Taking Derby Whirl for Ninth Time JOHNNY ADAMS Social Outcast is taking his ninth Derby whirl. The veteran Adams rode a masterful race in 1943 on Blue Swords, only to meet a superior horse in one of the great equines of modern times, Count Fleet. Adams gained his experience in Texas and Oklahoma bull rings, came to a recognized track for the first time at old Riverside Park in Kansas City in 1934, where he amazed everyone by refusing to accept the apprentice allowance. He didnt want the allowance because he didnt want to be "obligated" to anyone with a contract. He has never held a contract with anyone in his long career, preferring to free lance. After leaving Riverside, Adams went to Longacres Seattle where he became the leading rider of the meeting and has been among the leaders ever since, topping the national list on three occasions — in 1937, 1942 and 1943.
