Founder of Historic Walmac Farms Dies
Veteran horseman and the founder of Walmac International John T.L. Jones Jr. died last week surrounded by family at the age of 84.
Jones was known as "Big Johnny" within the industry and he oversaw the stallion careers of several prominent Thoroughbred sires including Nureyev, Alleged, Miswaki, Successful Appeal and many others.
He was the chief influencer and the key team player when John Gaines was putting together the Breeders' Cup carnival.
His contribution was especially gratifying when Cajun Beat, a horse co-bred by Jones (with H. Smoot Fahlgren), won the 2003 Breeders' Cup Sprint Gr.1. Jones was also involved with Breeders' Cup Juvenile Gr.1 winner Favorite Trick, the 1997 Horse of the Year whose breeding rights had been purchased by Walmac in August of his 2-year-old season.
Looking to shift his focus from the racing to the breeding side of the sport, owner Gary Broad was the winning bidder at US$4.8m for the historic 248-acre Walmac Farm.
In his 18 years at stud, the son of Nureyev produced 44 stakes winners and 2011 champion older horse Acclamation.
In the Quarter Horse world, Jones either bred or co-bred champions Ochoa, Noconi, and Brenda Beautiful, all of whom he raced in partnership in his name or that of his J Bar 7 Ranch.
Credit: Ritesh Jamkhedkar ritesh.jamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com