Greyhound racing mourns the loss of a dear friend and immensely talented handler, Pat Jones, who recently passed away.
Affectionately known as Paddy, Pat was widely acknowledged as a skilled trainer, nurturing several racing stars throughout his extensive involvement in the sport.
Pat trained four classic runners-up, with Distant Clamour standing out for an exceptional year in 1979. Not only did Distant Clamour finish as the Derby runner-up, but he also secured second places in the Leger and Cox Cup, while triumphing in the inaugural Respond Champion Stakes at Shelbourne Park, defeating a formidable field in what was then the richest one-off race ever held in Ireland.
Another star in Pat's lineup was Just It, finishing as the Cesarewitch runner-up at Navan in 1981 and breaking the 600yd record at Enniscorthy. Kildangan Toir, a notable stayer, reached an Oaks final and secured second place in the 1997 Corn Cuchulainn at Harold’s Cross.
Kilcannon Hero, a swift hound, not only broke the track record at Pat's favored track, Enniscorthy, as a young racer but also went on to become a significant sire, influencing future champions like Droopys Kewell and Tiny Bud through his offspring Perry Pusher.
Many of Pat's proudest moments occurred at Enniscorthy, where, with the support of his wife Cora, he achieved numerous major honors, including the April Stakes and the Grand Prize.
Pat's expertise lay in preparing greyhounds to peak on crucial race nights, earning him respect as a shrewd judge in the sport. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Cora, sons Ken and Ian, brother Tom-Joe, sisters Mary, Breda, and Beth, his cherished grandchildren Daniel, Cian, Brian, Tiernan, and Sorcha, his extended family, and the many friends he leaves behind.
May he rest in peace.