“Going to Miss Him Terribly”: Officials Share Saddening Update on Passing Away of Famed Equestrian Commission’s Vice Chair

There are some incredible human beings who have, with their passion and love, gave an invaluable contribution to equestrian sports. Frank L. Jones Jr. was such a personality who, through his decades of service in the horse racing industry, has left a distinguished impact. However, after fighting an uphill battle with a chronic ailment, Jones left the world and left his fans to ponder over his legacy.

The 87-year-old veteran died after battling lung disease for several years. He was a horse racing fan, owner, breeder, and one of the influential people in the Kentucky horse racing industry. Following his demise, the equestrian community paid their sincere homage and expressed eulogies in the rememberance of the legend.

The equestrian community mourns the legend

Frank L. Jones Jr. was very passionate about horse racing, which can be seen in his dedication to working towards it. At the time of his death, the veteran was the vice chairman of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the secretary of the commission’s Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund, and a member of the board of the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. Despite his health issues, he used to attend Kentucky Horse Racing Commission meetings through conference calls.

According to horseracingnation.com one of his colleagues of more than 35 years at HBPA said, “We’re going to miss him terribly. He was just an integral part of our organization, including helping to negotiate the contracts that have benefited horsemen so much. His heart was in racing and the backside“.  Jonathan Rabinowitz, the chairman of KHRC, remembered Jones as a valuable member who used his voice to elevate other horsemen and served by providing guidance to backstretch workers who couldn’t afford medical assistance.

The chairman also said that it was a huge loss for the industry and Jones will be dearly missed. The Churchill Downs Inc. CEO remembered him as a valued partner and said that Jones’s passion, commitment, and leadership had pushed the Kentucky racing and breeding industry to a strong position today.

Kentucky governor Andy Beshear remembers him as the one making difference, helping others live a better life in the industry, and said that Jones’s legacy will live on.

Frank L. Jones Jr.’s equestrian journey

Jones was a successful businessman and U.S. Air Force veteran. He has a business of institutional and commercial swimming pool equipment and supplies. Jones made his first bet on horse racing on the recommendation of a friend when he freshly graduated from the Air Force. Jones purchased the ticket for $2 and the horse paid back $96. Interestingly, he purchased his first horse in 1968 for  $1,500. Since then, he maintained the stable until his death.

His most successful horse was Tapitsfly, who he had bred. Tapitsfly won the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and two other Grade 1 races. Jones was the leading owner at Churchill Downs in 1989, 1990, 1992, and 1995. In 2019, he received the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners Inc’s Warner L. Jones Horsemen of the Year Award. He indeed was a staunch human being and an equestrian. Though he left the world for his heavenly abode, his bequest will always be remembered by the future generations.

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