Johnny T.L. Jones Jr, an influential owner and breeder of both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, will be inducted into the Ruidoso Downs Racehorse Hall of Fame at a special ceremony at the New Mexico track next summer.

Jones apprenticed under legendary horseman Walter Merrick and worked for him when Merrick stood Three Bars and campaigned the great Easy Jet. It was Jones who trained Easy Jet’s full brother, Jet Smooth, who won the 1967 Kansas Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.
 
Jones later moved to Kentucky and gained international recognition with his Walmac Farm in Lexington, KY, where he imported Nureyev to stand. The Northern Dancer son and European stakes winner was syndicated for $14 million and sired 135 stakes winners and more than 20 champions during his career.
 
In 1987, Nureyev sustained a nearly fatal hind leg fracture in a paddock accident, but miraculously survived and lived for 14 more years.
 
Under Jones’ guidance Walmac Farm also stood 2-time Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Alleged, leading sire Miswaki and 2-time classic winner Risen Star.
 
Jones is a director of the Keeneland Association and a 2010-11 Breeders Cup member and trustee, and still competes at the highest level in Quarter Horse racing as an owner and breeder. In partnership with R.D. Hubbard, a member of both the Ruidoso Downs Racehorse Hall of Fame and the AQHA Hall of Fame, Jones bred and campaigned champion Brenda Beautiful and Rainbow Futurity winner Planet Holland.

Hubbard and Jones’ champion Noconi recently became a millionaire by winning the G1 Zia Park Quarter Horse Championship and is a favorite for the G1 Championship at Sunland Park on December 26.
 
Jones and Hubbard also own 2008 broodmare of the year My Dashing Lady, the dam of Brenda Beautiful and Noconi.