Trainer Larry Jones

Trainer Larry Jones, who conditioned Havre de Grace to a Horse of the Year title in 2011, was the guest on Bloodhorse.com’s popular Talkin' Horses podcast which aired Tuesday, April 17.

A native of Hopkinsville, Ky., 55-year-old Jones was a top conditioner on the Midwest circuit until he began achieving success on the Triple Crown Trail and in major races on the East Coast. Assisted by his wife, Cindy, Jones has been represented by such prominent horses as Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Proud Spell; 2007 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) runner-up Hard Spun, ill-fated 2008 Derby runner-up Eight Belles, and grade I winners Island Sand, Wildcat Bettie B, and No Such Word.

Jones’ success in 2011 came following a one-year hiatus from training the previous year, with Cindy handling the training duties during his break. In addition to Havre de Grace, Jones’ 2012 stable includes Mark Valeski, who is being pointed toward the Kentucky Derby but may not make the race due to the graded stakes earnings that determine the 20-horse starting field.

In addition to Jones, the Talkin’ Horses podcast will also feature Tom LaMarra, news editor at The Blood-Horse magazine and co-host of Bloodhorse.com’s “That Handicapping Show,” to recap and preview major stakes races, including Derby preps.