On Saturday morning, November 7, 2009, trainer Larry Jones took his last ride around the Churchill Downs track, marking the end of an era. After years of training and galloping horses, Jones, 53, is retiring from training, passing the reins of his 23 horses to his wife, Cindy. His final official race as a trainer will be with Payton d’Oro in the $150,000-added Chilukki Stakes (Grade II). Jones, who began training in 1982, humorously stated he would “be sick” on Sunday morning to avoid the transition. He plans to continue as an exercise rider, a role he has often performed while holding a trainer’s license.
Jones has a notable history at Churchill Downs, including his stakes victory with Proud Spell in the 2008 Kentucky Oaks. However, he credits Island Sand, who finished second in the 2004 Oaks, as the horse that truly “put us on the map.” Jones fondly recalls a memorable trip with Island Sand after a race, stopping at a McDonald’s drive-through with the horse in tow. His trailer, containing his belongings, is currently in Maryland en route to Oaklawn Park. Cindy Jones will manage the barn until the end of the Churchill Downs meet on November 28, after which the couple will return to Henderson, Kentucky, for the holidays. Longtime assistants Deirdre Jackson and Cory York will support Cindy in moving the stable to Arkansas.
Racing News and Potential Contenders
In other racing news, trainer Paul McGee is considering the November 27 Clark Handicap Presented by Norton Healthcare (GII) for Demarcation, who recently won the Ack Ack Handicap (GIII). This victory was Demarcation’s first since dead-heating in last year’s River City Handicap (GIII). Jockey Jesus Castanon, who rode Demarcation to victory on Friday, also piloted the horse to victory in the previous year’s River City Handicap, marking his second Churchill Downs stakes win. McGee mentioned that Dubious Miss is also a contender for the Clark Handicap.
Trainer Dale Romans had a successful Friday, with three of his starters winning at Churchill Downs. His successes include victories with Bobby B. Goode, Buckwild, and Sir Jock. These wins brought Romans’ total to five victories within the first four days of the meet, placing him in the lead for “leading trainer” honors. Romans also celebrated a significant win at Santa Anita when Tapitsfly, owned by Frank Jones Jr., won the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. This marked Romans’ first Breeders’ Cup win from seven starters and jockey Robby Albarado’s second Breeders’ Cup victory. Albarado also secured a second-place finish in the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) aboard Beautician. Tapitsfly is scheduled to return to Churchill Downs on Sunday.
Fund Established for Injured Jockey and Other Stable Notes
A fund has been established at Fifth Third Bank by Cindy Werner, wife of trainer Ronny Werner, to assist jockey Julia Brimo with rehabilitation costs. Brimo sustained injuries in an October 30 spill at Keeneland when her mount, Golden Stride, clipped heels and fell. While still hospitalized in serious condition, Brimo is breathing on her own and has shown some movement in her extremities. Brimo, 33, has been an exercise rider for trainer Mark Casse and has galloped horses such as Sealy Hill, Canada’s Horse of the Year in 2007. Donations can be made at any Fifth Third Bank or mailed to Cindy Werner.
In other stable news, jockey Julien Leparoux had a strong showing at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita, securing two victories with She Be Wild in the Grey Goose Juvenile Fillies (GI) and Informed Decision in the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (GI). He also placed third on Forever Together in the Emirates Airline Filly & Mare Turf (GI). Pure Clan, a three-time Churchill Downs graded-stakes winner, finished second to Midday (GB) in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic. The first and second-place finishers in the Ladies’ Classic, Life Is Sweet and Mushka, previously trained by Bill Mott, both spent time at Churchill Downs in spring 2008. Former jockey Joe Deegan achieved a training victory with an upset win by Pop Tarrt in the eighth race. Deegan manages horses at the High Point Training Center in LaGrange.
This collection of news highlights significant moments in the racing world, from trainer retirements and jockey recoveries to top-tier performances in major stakes races, showcasing the dynamic nature of horse racing.
