Page 176 - January 2018

“There is nothing better than the speed and power of the Quarter Horse.”
PAUL JONES
by John Moorehouse
Paul Jones is arguably the most successful trainer in Quarter Horse racing history but, like so many people in various walks of life, he came from fairly humble beginnings. A second-generation trainer who grew up learning the business alongside his father, Paul Jones Sr. recalled the state of things when he took over the family barn. “I only had five horses and four of them were my parents,” he said. Jones’ operation has grown by leaps and bounds— and then some. The number of horses under his charge now totals triple digits. A few years ago, he became the first trainer to surpass the $70 million milestone in earnings—and he remains the win- ningest Quarter Horse trainer of all time. He is the #1 trainer of Champions with 29 and also holds 14 AQHA consecutive World Champion Trainer titles and—an accomplishment that still ranks as the most significant to the California native.
As Speedhorse begins its 50th year of covering Quarter Horse racing, we felt there was no better choice for this month’s “The Lighter Side” feature than someone like Jones who has accomplished so much in the sport. Enjoy.
Q: Where were you born?
A: I was born in Hawthorn, California.
Q: What hobbies do you have outside of the business?
A: When it comes to hobbies, I really don’t have many. Horses have been my hobby and job, so
that makes it nice. When I am not around the race horses, I like to enjoy my family and my daughters’ sports. My oldest daughter Mia rides jumpers, hunt- ers and equitation, and my youngest daughter, Allie, is a very competitive swimmer and is in the pool six days a week.
Q: What is your favorite movie and why?
A: I cannot think of one movie, in particular, that is my favorite, I like so many. There are so many good movies, but my favorites are the comedies.
Q: Any interesting facts about your family (parents, grandparents, siblings, etc.?
A: My father and uncle were both race car drivers. My uncle (Parnelli Jones) won the Indy 500 in 1963. My great-grandfather was childhood friends with Jefferson Davis.
Q: Do you have a nickname and, if so, what is it and how did it come about?
A: My nickname has always been PJ. All the boys in my family have the initials PJ.
Q: What is the strangest personality quirk you have seen in a horse?
A: The strangest personality quirk that I have seen in a horse is in my pony horse, Peanut. Peanut acts more like a dog than a horse. Not a big dog, but a small spoiled dog.
Q: If you were not involved with the horse racing industry, what job would you like to have?
A: If I was not involved with horse racing, I would want to be a race car driver.
Q: What is your favorite thing about living where you live?
A: My favorite thing about living in California is the weather and year-round racing.
Q: If you could vacation anywhere on
the planet, where would you go and what would you do there?
A: If I could vacation anywhere in the world it would have to be Hawaii. Life is laid back, tropical and I can relax!
Q: Do you have a favorite quote and, if so, what is it?
A: “Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win!”
John Moorehouse
174 SPEEDHORSE, January 2018
THE LIGHTER SIDE