(KY Derby Trophy / Photo by Coady Photography)

Kentucky HBPA President Rick Hiles reflected that Jones and he had worked together as officers of the horsemen’s organization for more than 35 years.

“I don’t know how you replace someone like Frank,” Hiles 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. That was his passion.”

Marc Guilfoile, former Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and current staffer for Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority:

“The thing that I loved about Frank Jones is the fact that his word was gold. You may not like his answer or his position, but his word was always gold. He based his opinion on fact and he always had a firm position. I didn’t always agree with that decision, but I always loved the way he came to it, and how he always stuck to it. Without a question, he danced every dance and he never skipped a hard one. He stood on principals and you could never argue with his commitment to make this industry better every day.”

Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs Incorporated CEO Bill Carstanjen

“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. 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.”

Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National HBPA:

“Today is a very sad day for all in the horse-racing family,” said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National HBPA. “Frank was so instrumental for so many people in so many ways. His tireless dedication to the HBPA and the horsemen and women of Kentucky is stamped in our memories of his wonderful life. His keen awareness, understanding and passion for the horse-racing industry may never be matched but will certainly be a loss for all of us.”