Regardless of how the 2009 Triple Crown season works out, though, Jones, 52, insists he plans to retire at the end of the year.
There has been a feeling that the death of Eight Belles drained Jones. Known to eschew medicating his horses in favor of using chiropractic treatment, the trainer still came under condemnation from horse racing critics after the filly died. There was speculation that Eight Belles had run with a pre-existing injury or that she had been on performance-enhancing drugs. Testing after her death disproved those theories.
But the outcry was loud; there were even congressional hearings, and, eventually, further measures were established to help make the sport safer. However, Jones says his decision to quit is not about Eight Belles.
Rather, it's because of the demands on his time from owners who want him and not subordinates to oversee the progress of their horses. Plus, he wants to spend more time with his six grandchildren and his parents.
"There's just not enough of me to go around," he said.
His plans include looking after his brood mares in Kentucky and spending time at a second home in Elkton. He and his wife, Cindy, have some 2-year-old horses and Cindy has a trainer's license, so there's always the possibility they'll be near a racetrack down the road.
Meanwhile, Porter is likewise considering winding down his horse racing.
His reservations are about finding another trainer with whom he has the same connection that he does with Jones.
The owner described Jones as a hands-on trainer who not only frequently rides his horses but also uses manipulation to deal with aches and soreness.
"Whether it's teaching a horse how to split horses or be on the rail or change leads, he's a magician," Porter said. "But before I give up, I will go find Larry and have a long talk with him. I think after Larry straightens out his life a little and he gets some R&R ... he'll be fine."
"Larry is going to train horses," Porter added. "It's in his blood."
saturday's race
When: Approximately 6:04 p.m.
Where: Churchill Downs,
Louisville, Ky.
TV: Chs. 11, 4
what to expect
Here are five horses to watch Saturday, three story lines to consider and a look back at the 2008 race:
Five to watch
* I Want Revenge, Joe Talamo (jockey), Jeff Mullins (trainer). : I Want Revenge has momentum going into the Derby with back-to-back victories in the Gotham Stakes and the Wood Memorial.
