Prominent Texas oilman and horseman E. C. Johnston Jr. died at age 85 on March 28 in Longview, Texas.

A third generation member of the Johnston family that drilled the famous Spindletop oil field more than 100 years ago, Johnson raced a number of Thoroughbreds and bred and raised them at his Rafter J Ranch in Longview.

Johnston privately purchased Won’t Tell You, the dam of 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed after the Exclusive Native colt won the 1977 Youthful Stakes at Belmont Park as a two-year-old. Johnston said he rejected offers for as much as $500,000 for the then-16-year-old Crafty Admiral mare after Affirmed won the Kentucky Derby (G1) the next year for owner-breeder Harbor View Farm.

Johnston bred Affirmed’s half sister Won’t She Tell, by Banner Sport, winner of the 1988 Blush With Pride stakes at Louisiana Downs. Won’t She Tell produced Grade 3 winners Drilling For Oil and White Crown, Grade 1-placed stakes winner and sire Dr. Caton, and stakes-placed winner Confidante, dam of 2006 Prix de Diane Hermes (Fr-G1) (French Oaks) winner Confidential Lady.

Johnston was also in the Quarter Horse business and owned the world champion Jim Harlan. He served as a president of the American Quarter Horse Association.