view raw text
B. B. Jones, of Audley Farm Fame, Dies at 87 Formerly Master of Vast Breeding Establishment at Berryville, Va. WASHINGTON, D.C., May 6. — B. B. Jones, master of Audley Farm at Berry-ville. Va., once one of the leading breeding establishments in this country, died here last night after a long illness. He was in his 87th year. Survivors are the widow, Mre. Ethel Gray Jones; two brothers, E. L. Jones of Virginia and Robert L. Jones of Oklahoma; and two sisters, Mrs. Samuel Winger of Kosciusko, Miss., and Mrs. Karl Ekdahl of Bristow, Okla. Since retirement from the turf, Jones made his home here. At one time he was reputed to be the largest individual owner of horses in the world. Jones determination to own a "triple crown" winner was proposed by many as the reason for his success on the turf, in racing and in breeding. Although no horse won the three American classics in his colors, the master of Audley Farm did come to be the owner of a three-ply champion Sir Barton, whom he bought from Commander J. K. L. Ross some time after the colt won the Derby, Preakness and Belmont in 1919. During his career at stud, Sir Barton sired winners of more than 00,000 Jones was never one to hesitate on a purchase because of price. When he wanted a horse he went the limit. He gave 00,000 for Carlaris, 5,000 for Bright Knight, 5,000 for High Cloud, 5,000 for Ethel Gray and 0,000 for Princess Doreen. Other purchases were made at an aggregate cost possibly exceeding ,000,000. Jones was one of the turfs leaders in the *20s and 30s and twice led the breeders list, in 1930 and 1931, from the standpoint of races won by the horses bred at Audley. For many years, Jones and his brother, Montfort, were active campaigners on the race track, both in the United States and England. One of their most noteworthy performers was Rochminister, who defeated C. W. Clarks 25,000 Whiskpway in 1922 and won the Pimlico Cup of 1925. In 1935, Jones discontinued his racing activities and devoted his interests to breeding exclusively, having long been a student of blood lines. Deviting his interests to Audley Farm. Jones continued to send high class yearlings to the various sales, but in 1939 poor health forced him to retire from the sport A complete dispersal sale was held, with the stallions Quatre Bras U., Trace Call, Strolling Player and Gallant Mac among those going under the hammer.
