On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear paid tribute to Air Force Veteran Frank Jones, Jr. Jones was a leader in the Thoroughbred industry and served as vice-chairman of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC).
“Put simply, Frank was making a difference. He was an award-winning leader, committed to helping those within this essential Kentucky industry live better lives. I was proud to call him a friend,” said Gov. Beshear. “Frank will be missed. And my prayers are with his family, friends and the entire Thoroughbred industry. I think we all know Frank's legacy will live on.”
Members and staff of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission are mourning the loss of long-time KHRC Commissioner, horse owner, breeder and handicapper.
“The passing of Frank Jones is a huge loss for not only his family and friends, but the entire horse racing industry,” said Kentucky Horse Racing Commission Chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz. “As a valuable member and vice-chairman of the KHRC Commission and secretary of the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund, he used his voice to elevate other horsemen, serving and providing guidance to backstretch workers who cannot afford medical assistance on their own. We have all lost a great friend who will be dearly missed.” added Rabinowitz.
“Frank was thoughtful, knowledgeable, always willing to listen and provide guidance to the Commission and staff,” said Jamie Eads, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. “As a Commission member, he would check in on me often, just to see how things were going. He always asked how my family was doing and he worked as an advocate for horse racing until the very end.”
Jones has served as Commissioner under three administrations. He was first appointed to the horse racing commission in March of 1997 by Gov. Paul Patton; reappointed in 2008 by Gov. Steve Beshear. And, in Jan. of 2020, Gov. Andy Beshear asked him to serve once again.
KHRC Commissioner Frank Shoop says that Jones made a positive impact in horse racing over his long successful career. “This is tough. Frank Jones was a partner in ownership and breeding for more than 25 years. He was a friend to me, and to the entire thoroughbred industry.”
Jones served as director and vice president of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association for more than three decades, using his business acumen to the benefit of horsemen as chair of the finance committee, contract negotiator, legislative liaison, backside committee and secretary of the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund. He also was past president of the Louisville-based Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners Inc.
Jones, a Louisville native, attended Western Kentucky University and was a veteran of the Air Force. He also served as a past president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners Inc.
“The Kentucky horse racing and breeding industry wouldn't be in the strong position it is in today without the passion, commitment and leadership of Frank Jones, Jr.,” said Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO Bill Carstanjen. “From his meaningful contribution to the Kentucky HBPA to his impact on the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and as past president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners, our sport and community lost a dear friend and tremendous advocate, and we at Churchill Downs lost a valued partner. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with his family and countless number of friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
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