Leroy Jolly

I was saddened to be told the Thoroughbred racing community lost a legend yesterday. Leroy Jolly who trained many great horses over his long career. Two Kentucky Derby winners, Foolish Pleasure and the great filly Genuine Risk.

I knew Leroy for many years, spent some fun times with him in the 80s. Straight shooter, no BS kind of guy. He lived a long and prosperous 80 years.

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He will be missed…one of the really good guys.

What a shame. A friend of mine was using him as a trainer in recent years. She loved talking to him about horses.

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A name I recognize :frowning: LeRoy will surely be missed.

Sleep well with all your horses LeRoy.

Very sad. He certainly had some notables.

Genuine Risk had an outstanding Triple Crown campaign, sure an upset in the Derby.
Back in the old days of WGY, they had a talk show w/ a local sportscaster about the Derby a few days before. No one was talking about her. I got a call in saying I thought she had a great chance, especially after her Wood. I was immediately pooh-poohed and mocked by the men commentators, but had a huge smile on Derby day.
And was very upset at Cordero for his interference on Codex in the Preakness where she was 2nd.
She was also 2nd in The Belmont. Was wondering - was this back in the day when Visa presented an additional reward to the horse with the highest number of points after the Triple Crown?
Not successful as a broodmare, her son, Genuine Reward, was supported by Laura Hillenbrand to be sent to Old Friends in Lexington.
Great video of her Kentucky Derby - the entire show. Interesting note - after the race - it is mentioned by Jim McKay - 14 yo Matthew Firestone begged his father and trainer to look at her at the sales. They reluctantly gave him permission to bid up to $35k for her, thinking she’d go for $60k. She came home with the Firestones for $32k. :slight_smile:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZWw7_u3RGk
Also, her Wood Memorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl80_gPCsNg

Jolley also trained Manila (had forgotten!), and oh, yes, BC Juvenile Fillies winner and Triple Tiara contender, Meadow Star. (just read - she is the 3rd dam of Arrogate!)

And Ridan- I don’t remember, but certainly heard - as XSO was there as a teen - about the Ridan/Jaipur Travers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL5mBKozPnE

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It took me a long time to get over Cordero’s ride in the Preakness, although that is race riding. And who coud forget the epic Meadow Star / Lite Light rivalry, with MC Hammer and his entourage prowling the backside?

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That was such a great Derby :applause: And a cool story about her sale, I hadn’t heard that before.