Trainer Larry Jones to wind down training career at Ellis Park

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Larry Jones, best known for his three Kentucky Oaks wins and as the trainer of the ill-fated Eight Belles, said the 2022 spring meet at Churchill will be his last one with outside clients and that he will continue training on a much smaller scale as he moves permanently to Henderson, Ky., for the Ellis Park summer meet and beyond.

“Don’t know if I’ll ever leave town after that,” Jones, 65, said with a laugh. “It’s been a great run.”

◗ Tyler Gaffalione also had five winners Thursday, including three for Steve Asmussen, and will be the leading jockey for the sixth straight meet at Churchill, a streak that began with the 2020 spring meet. Gaffalione, 27, will once again winter in his native Florida at Gulfstream Park, where he rode his first winner in September 2014.

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◗ Accredit has not raced since winning the $732,375 Dueling Grounds Derby at 36-1 on Sept. 5, but co-owner and trainer Pavel Matejka said not to worry. The 3-year-old Flatter colt is doing well at Matejka’s farm adjacent to the Thoroughbred training center in Lexington and will begin his 4-year-old campaign in April.

◗ Crystal Ball, never a factor when finishing last in the Falls City, has been retired and will be bred to Curlin, said Elliott Walden, who oversees the WinStar Stablemates group that owned the 4-year-old Malibu Moon filly. Crystal Ball earned $508,008 in 11 starts.

◗ The first of five pools in the 2022 Kentucky Derby Future Wager closes at 6 p.m. Sunday, along with Derby Sires wager.