Standing outside his Airdrie Stud office days after winning a 2nd Kentucky Oaks in 2012, Brereton Jones reflected on working a lifetime toward a major goal, only to have it realized again.

Reminded trainer Woody Stephens won his first of an unprecedented five straight Belmont S. at age 68, the former Kentucky governor quipped, "Guess I'll have to win three more for this to really count for something."

He'd win a third Oaks in 2015 with Lovely Maria, following his and trainer Larry Jones' first with Proud Spell in 2008, then Believe You Can four years later. It capped a still-tremendous achievement for a commercial breeder whose primary job is 'selling the dream' along to yearling buyers every sales season in Kentucky.

A gracious, self-effacing horseman who welcomed visitors to Airdrie with the same pride he presented the farm's yearling consignments at Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton, Brereton C. Jones passed away Monday, age 84.

Under his family's ownership, Airdrie Stud, located in Woodford Co., grew into a successful stallion operation and is recognized today as one of Kentucky's leading breeders of tough, genuine racehorses.

From 1991 to 1995, Jones served as the state's 58th governor, winning election by the largest margin of victory in a Kentucky gubernatorial race. In 2004, he founded the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP), an entity committed to furthering both public awareness and legislative advocacy on behalf of the state's horse industry.

Stallions developed at Airdrie since the 1980s include Proud Citizen, sire of Proud Spell and Believe You Can, Harlan's Holiday, Include, Indian Charlie, and Silver Hawk. The latter, a son of Roberto, served as the stud's foundation sire, with Epsom Derby winner Benny the Dip, Lady in Silver, Memories of Silver, and Hawkster among his best progeny.

Photo at Airdrie Stud, winter 2020. Credit: Laurel Humbert-Stock.