Jones, of Walmac fame, and Peppers Pride named to Ruidoso Hall of Fame

BY DRF Staff

Horseman Johnny T.L. Jones Jr. and the undefeated New Mexico-bred Peppers Pride, winner of all of her 19 starts, will be inducted into the Ruidoso Downs Racehorse Hall of Fame at a ceremony in June.

Jones gained international recognition by importing Nureyev to stand at his Walmac Farm in Kentucky in 1981. Jones is a director of the Keeneland Association and a 2010-11 Breeders’ Cup member and trustee.

Jones was prominent in Quarter Horse racing before moving to Kentucky and still competes at the highest level in Quarter Horse racing as an owner and breeder.

Peppers Pride, raced by breeder Joe Allen and now co-owned with Mike Stinson, is the greatest New Mexico-bred of all time and earned national acclaim as her 19-for-19 winning streak grew until her retirement in December 2008. Peppers Pride now resides at Taylor Made Farm near Nicholasville, Ky., and is expecting her first foal, sired by Distorted Humor, in February.