(Breeders’ Cup / Coady Photography)

From the Breeders’ Cup Media Team:

STATEMENT ON PASSING OF FORMER KENTUCKY GOVERNOR BRERETON JONES

Founder of Airdrie Stud was also Founding Member of Breeders’ Cup World Championships

Breeders’ Cup Limited and the Thoroughbred racing community are profoundly saddened by the passing of former Kentucky Governor Brereton Jones.

A Founding Member of the Breeders’ Cup, Governor Jones served as Treasurer on the Breeders’ Cup Board of Directors from 1984-86 before transitioning to Director from 1988-89, during which he also served as Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky. He was then elected Governor of Kentucky, a term he fulfilled with distinction from 1991-1995. Following his term as Governor, during which he materially advanced the Thoroughbred industry in Kentucky and abroad for generations to come, he returned to the Breeders’ Cup as a Director from 1996-2005. His support for the organization remained unwavering through the following years as he continued to serve as a Member of the Breeders’ Cup.

Governor Jones, along with his wife Libby, founded Airdrie Stud near Midway, Ky., a highly successful Thoroughbred breeding operation now managed by their son, Bret Jones. Seventeen horses bred by Governor Jones participated in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, including Carl Pollard’s Caressing, winner of the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Churchill Downs. His homebred Proud Spell finished second in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) before launching a 3-year-old campaign that saw her win the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), Kentucky Oaks (G1), Delaware Oaks (G2), and Alabama Stakes (G1) en route to champion 3-year-old filly honors in 2008.

“Governor Jones’ passion for Thoroughbred racing and breeding was second to none,” said Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “Not only did he position Breeders’ Cup for long-term success as a Founding Member, but as Governor of Kentucky he tirelessly promoted the Thoroughbred industry while simultaneously building a legacy that will live on through Airdrie Stud. We are forever grateful for his contributions to our sport and send our sincere condolences to his family and friends.”