Frank L. Jones, Jr. died from a long illness.

Important Owner Frank L. Jones Jr. breeder and servant in the equine industry over decades working on the boards of various thoroughbred organizations. Died Thursday, August 10 after a long illness. Louisville businessman, 86 years old.

In addition to other roles, Jones spent more than 30 years as Vice President of the Benevolent and Protection Association (HBPA) of Wagon Owners. where he was instrumental in negotiating contracts for owners and coaches with the stadium. He is also Chairman of the Kentucky HBPA Finance Committee and Legal Coordinator. He is vice president of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC), first appointed in 1997 by Gov. Paul Patton, reappointed in 2008 by Gov. Steve Beshear, and reappointed in 2020. By Andy Beshear Jones is also a long-time board member and secretary of the Kentucky Racing Health & Welfare Fund. which provides health resources and financial assistance to the workers behind the Commonwealth.

Jones was also president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners from 1998-1999 and was a member of the American Horse Council, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association as of October last year. He was elected a member of the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority (HISA)’s Horsemen’s Advisory Group. Tucky in 2019

Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs, said, “The Kentucky horse racing and breeding industry is not in the strongest position it is today. Without Frank Jones, Jr.’s passion, commitment and leadership,” “from his meaningful contribution to the Kentucky HBPA to his impact on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, and As the former President of Kentucky’s Thoroughbred Owners, our sport and community have lost great friends and supporters, and we at Churchill Downs have lost a valuable partner. he will miss you so much And we send our condolences to his family. as well as countless friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Born in Louisville in 1937, Jones attended Western Kentucky University and spent time in the United States Air Force. various business contacts and pool equipment and supplies earned him a nomination for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 1989 and 1990. However, it was a chance encounter with Jerry Romans, Sr., the trainer who led it. in the horse industry for decades He bought his first horse in 1968 for $1,500 and used only Roman and his son Dale as trainers. He was Chief Owner at the Spring Meetings at Churchill Downs in 1989, 1990, 1992 and 1995. The stars of his stable are Breeders’ Cup winner Tapitsfly (Tapit), Juvenile Fillies Turf and GI Just a Game S. And GI First Lady S. Jones sold her 2012 daughter in Fasig-Tipton Kentucky in November for $1.85 million to Katsumi Yoshida.

A number of industry leaders made statements as news of Jones’ departure spread Thursday. Among them, KHRC Chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz, said: “Frank Jones’ passing is a huge loss not only to his family and friends, but also to his family and friends. his only but also the entire horseracing industry. As a valued member and vice president of the KHRC Commission and secretary of the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund, he uses his voice to lift other riders. Provides services and advice to workers who need to bear medical assistance on their own. We all have lost a good friend who will be deeply missed.”

Jones is survived by his wife, Nancy Deloni Jones, whom he had been married to for four years. His first wife, Gloria Jones, has died after more than 58 years of marriage. Arrangements are pending.