The equestrian world is a tight-knit community brought together by a mutual passion for horse racing. Anytime there is an occasion to celebrate the sport, it is a chance for this community to come together and reflect on the impact it has had on their lives. Now, the tragic loss of a beloved member has once again united everyone and brought forth the strange bond that is unique to this group.

The Kentucky equestrian community is reeling from losing one of their own who has left behind an indelible mark on the sport. Former Kentucky Governor and equestrian enthusiast Brereton C. Jones passed away at the age of 84. He acted as the governor from 1991 to 1995, before which he did his bit for the sport as the lieutenant governor. Now, his wife and another former governor have shined the spotlight on his legacy that changed the state for the better.

Brereton C. Jones’ legacy analyzed

Brereton C. Jones’ wife, Jane Jones, and former Gov. Steve Beshear unraveled the impact that he had on the equestrian industry in Kentucky. His better half mourned his passing, saying, “We’ve lost a part of the history of the state,” highlighting Jones’ pioneering work as the 58th governor of the state. Steve Beshear reminded everyone how Brereton C. Jones took charge of the health crisis in the 90s. He spoke to ABC 36, saying, “He was a forward-looking guy. He was one of the first that got into healthcare reform back in the 90s when that wasn’t a topic on many people’s minds”. Jones had to secure a constitutional amendment in order to implement his healthcare reforms. This was his gift to the equestrian community in Kentucky, with whom Jones had formed deep ties.

Steve Beshear fondly remembered his time with the former governor whom he knew simply as “Brary”. Beshear credited much of Brereton C. Jones’ success to his wife, who made sure to honor their partnership throughout the years they had been together. His loss has left a void in the thriving equestrian community in Kentucky that owes its success to his endeavors.

Brereton C. Jones’s impact on Kentucky’s equestrian industry

Beyond his role in the governor’s office, Brereton C. Jones was a passionate horse breeder. He set up the Kentucky Equine Education Project, which has played an essential role in driving up equestrian event revenue. Furthermore, he started the Kentucky Breeders’ Incentive Fund to revolutionize the breeding industry in the state. Case Clay, the chairman of KEEP, applauded the former governor’s pioneering work, saying, “Governor Brereton Jones was a true champion for Kentucky’s horse industry”. He was also the founding member of the prestigious Breeder’s Cup and popularized the event with his hard work.

Read More: “His Legacy Will Forever Be Felt”: Equestrian Community Mourns the Loss of 84 Years Old Kentucky Horse Industry Champion Brereton Jones

His legacy will outlive him and continue to shape the equestrian industry in Kentucky. His son Bret Jones, who manages their farm, Airdrie Stud, will carry on his family legacy in the horse industry.

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