Thank you for being what the sport needs - an owner dedicated to building a better, sounder racehorse and for being fan friendly. I'll never forget the year you gave us with Rachel or the most generous opportunity last month of getting to meet her.

The horseracing world just lost a great owner today. I wish more owners would take more gambles in the running of their horses(male & female)in more challenging races like he did with Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. He will be greatly missed! RIP Mr. Jackson

I owe this man so much.

I backed off from my love of horse racing with my tail between my legs after watching the great Ruffian breakdown many years ago. Didn't want to hurt like that again. Ever. It took many years before I was able to watch just the 3 three year old classics and then only if I didn't have something else going on those three race days.

Until Curlin.

I was sitting in a sports bar with my husband to watch the Kentucky Derby when I first saw Curlin walking in the post parade. That physique. That pleasant intelligent expression. Curlin had me at hello before I had ever seen him race a step. The rest is history.

When I heard that Curlin was entered in the Woodward at Saratoga I drove all night and slept in my car to see him. I have never yet seen a late kick equivalent to his. Un-be-liev-able. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. What an amazing body of work that horse delivered. Without a single vet bill.

Just when I was wondering if there would ever be another horse on par with Curlin, Rachel Alexandra stepped on to the stage with her historic win in the Kentucky Oaks. When she was purchased by the  same great sportsman who showcased Curlin I knew we were in for something very special .. and that little lady ran right off the pages of the history books to heights untouched and clean.

Thank you Jess.

I will never be the same after watching Rachel effortlessly dominate top colts in the Haskell, and plumb the very depths of courage in her historic Woodward Stakes.

I can't even describe the magnitude of the gift Jess Jackson gave to horse racing. And to me.

I just wish that Jess could have lived to have seen the foal from Rachel and Curlin and to enjoy seeing where a horse named MacClean's Music will take him.

I am so sad today. And so grateful.

Condolences to the family. Condolences to us all.

The sport has lost a legend who has contributed greatly to the industry. RIP and thank you.

The thoroughbred world and most of all the horses have lost a true champion.  My heart hurts for his lovely wife Barbabra Banke and his children.  Mr. Jacksons legacy will live forever in the wonderful work he did and also through the foals of rachel alexandra and curlin.  My heart thoughts and prayers are with the family and I hope his wife and children will carry on his wonderful legacy.

Just a simple Thank you for being a great sportsman and showing the rest of the industry running as a four year old(Curlin) isnt so bad after all...  

Thank you Sir for all you did for the horses and standing up against slaughter. You gave us wonderful gifts of your beloved horses. I hold a glass of Kendal Jackson up to you. Rest In Peace with the horses in heaven.

What I will always remember about Mr. Jackson is his great smile as he lead first Curlin into our lives and then Rachel. I did not ever meet him, but he came across as a real caring person, expecially about his horses.

RIP jess jackson , truely a legend in horse racing , thank you for showing the world just what your horses could do! ....Curlin & rachel Alexandra living monuments to thier great owner!

Will forever be thankful to Mr. Jackson for giving us Curlin & Rachel.  He realized that horses racing was actually about racing and didn't send our heroes to the shed prematurely.  I will forever be thankful to him for opening the farm up to Rachel's fans last month.  He will be greatly missed.  My sympathy to his wife,family, and team Jackson.

I admired Jess Jackson for being true to his convictions.  He made some decisions that were very unpopular, especially his decision not to race Rachel Alexandra against Zenyatta.  He seemed to be committed to the welfare of his equine charges, yet made decisions to campaign his horses very aggressively.  We will forever have the careers of Curlin and RA because of his tenacity.  My prayers go up for his wife and family.  Thank you, Mr Jackson, for 3 of the most memorable years in racing.  

Frustrated with seeing horses I fell in love with on the Triple Crown trail retire at the end of their 3 year old season, I almost stopped following horse racing. Then came Jess Jackson and Curlin. Jackson didn't need to bring the 2007 Horse of the Year back for his 4 year old season, Curlin had already done enough. Jackson brought him back because he cared about the quality of racing. Jackson planned Curlin's, and then Rachel's, campaigns with an eye towards racing fans. The result? I am now more than ever a diehard horse racing fanatic. Thanks Mr. Jackson, you will be missed.

Jess Jackson gave so much to the sport of horse racing and will be remembered as one who loved the horses and the game more than the almighty dollar. I wish he could have lived to see the foal that Curlin and Rachel made together. I will miss him and send condolences to his family.

This is a very sad day for horse racing. Jess Jackson was a great owner, and a tremendous man for the sport. Two of my favorite horses ever are Rachel Alexandra and Curlin, and Jess Jackson put them on campaigns that allowed the horses to show their greatness and show why horse racing is such a great sport. By returning Curlin to the track as a four year old, and not taking the breeding money, Jess Jackson showed he was a sportsman at heart, and was in this game because he loved to watch horses run and he loved to watch horses perform. By placing Rachel on the campaign he did for her 3 year old year, horse racing fans were treated to arguably the greatest year ever by an American based filly, and left me with a lifetime of memories. Jess Jackson was truly great for the sport, and he will be sorely missed. I just hope more owners can follow Mr. Jackson's lead and place the sport first.

His insistence on exposing the agent "referral fees" that were being paid without the knowledge of principals was important and has led to much greater transperency in the thoroughbred business.  It will be very difficult to replace persons such as Mr. Jackson and Edward Evans who supported the industry with such a high degree of integrity. Many of us hope that the Curlin/Rachel mating produces that great horse that he was hoping for which would be a wonderful legacy to remember him by.

With his great sportsmanship and willingness to take risks and attain the glory that sometimes comes from having guts, Jess Jackson made the once great sport of thoroughbred racing exciting again. His impact on the sport resulted not only from his own daring and (now) completely unconventional decisions, but also from their effect on other owners to showcase their charges in a less conservative fashion.

I'm glad that I got to meet Mr. Jackson as he campaigned his great horses at Belmont Park. The man was approachable and very gracious, as was his wife Barbara.

I hope that his legacy will be to encourage new owners, via his great examples, to see what can happen in racing when you let a great horse show how great she or he can be in the long run.

Horse Racing lost another owner who had the sport's best interest in mind. Owners like this are becoming extinct and we have just lost a true ambassador of the game.

I will forever be grateful for the ambitious campaigns of Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. May their foal be healthy and a living tribute and memorial to the life of Jess Jackson.

My condolences to the Jackson family and all connections.

Mr Jackson's contributions to the world of wine making and horseracing will not be soon forgotten.

My personal thanks for bringing Rachel Alexandra's brilliance to the world. A lesser man would not have believed like Mr. Jackson.

You will be missed!

God Bless You Mr. Jackson. What a wonderful amazing life you have had!  I will always be grateful you brought Curlin to Santa Anita so I could see him live at the Breeders Cup; what a thrill that was for his fans.  You have brought integrity, passion, and breathed new life into this sport and you will be missed.  Racing has indeed suffered a loss today.

My prayers are with your family; may you rest in peace.

God Bless You Mr Jackson. Hope you are enjoying the greats of racing again up there, and know you will be joined one day with our wonder horses Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. May you look down at their healthy foal next year and smile.

Jess Jackson acted with purpose, integrity, and conviction to do what was right for horses, and the industry.  Frankly, there is not an owner out there that doesn't owe him a debt of gratitude for bringing the rampant double dealing and corruption to the light for all to see. May he rest in eternal peace now.

From my heart I say thank you for Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, this is a very sad day. RIP Jess Jackson you have earned your rewards in heaven. God Speed.

For Rachel Alexandra and Curlin, for Mr. Jackson and his wife Barbara

Perhaps their first foal name: In tribute to this great man his zest and love for his horses and all his help for cancer research:

"Romancing the Rail".

My prayers to the family. He's with God now and he will always be watching over Rachel and Curlin. He was a great man.

His passing is definitely the end of an era - owners like him are indeed getting scarce. We need more owners with the backbone to do what he did and who support the industry in so many areas. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and associates. It really is a pity that he did to live to see the Rachel-Curlin baby he so eagerly awaited.

My prayers to the Jackson families, Human and Equine. Mr. Jackson will forever live in the hearts of racing fans and owners. A true pioneer to the game and for his love of his horses.

We lost a great sportsman and wonderful ambassador for the sport we all love so dearly.  Rachel and Curlin are two of my all time favorites, and two of the greatest we'll ever see.  Words can't express what it meant to me to see Curlin race at four.  God bless him for doing what few others owners would have done.  We need more like him.  I hope Rachel and Curlin's baby does him proud!  RIP, Mr. Jackson.  May your legacy live on through the horses you loved so much!

Thank you for Rachel, thank you for Curlin, thank you for all you did for the great sport of horse racing.  And thanks for all the lovely wine.  You have made some beautiful memories for me.  

Thank you Mr Jackson for being such a generous and honorable man. Rachel's campaign was one of the best gifts racing lovers could dream about. You made many people's wishes and dreams come true. Your courage and determination to tell people what they needed to hear, instead of what they wanted to hear, had shaped the industry and will carry on your legacy. You run a great race to the end. Your love and passion for horse racing will never be forgotten. Rest In Pace and Thank You

Jess Jackson was truely an owner and breeder for the ages. He brought out the very best in our sport. And in our beloved horses. May his soul rest in eternal peace. And watch over the racehorses he loved so much. He will be missed by his family, friends, everyone in the horse racing world. And most defenatly his horses. I know he will be smiling down when he see's Rachel Alexandra foal the next generation of racing superstars.

R.I.P. Jess Jackson forever In our hearts.

Alexandra Winnipeg Manitoba Canada

I am sorry for the passing of Mr. Jackson, however, he was not responsible for Curlin or Rachel - he aquired them when they were established racehorses, lets not forget that fact.

My thoughts are with Mr. Jackson's family.  I'm so sad that he didn't get the chance to see Rachel and Curlin's foal.  I'm glad I got the chance to see both of them run and win at Saratoga and the big smile on Mr. Jackson's face in the winner's circle.  More owners should be like him.  

God bless you, Jess Jackson.  Thank you for all the wonderful things that you to did to support and promote the sport of Horse Racing.  You always put the welfare of the horse before anything else.  You are a great Champion, yourself, along with Curlin and Rachael Alexandra.  The Racing World will miss you very much.

It was always a thrill to watch your Champions run... I always appreciated your sportsmanship and your love of horseracing - your willingness to make changes for the good of racing... RIP Mr Jackson...

I will not forget the day Rachel was to run in the 2009 Preakness Stakes. Mr. Jackson was being interviewed before the race and the reporter was talking about his purchase of Rachel after the Oaks. The reporter then asked Mr. Jackson if he agreed with her former owner's comment of "Fillies should race with fillies and colts should race with colts". Mr. Jackson's brilliant response was, "Champions should race with Champions!" And what a champion Rachel turned out to be!! I am so grateful to you Mr. Jackson for the brilliant career Rachel had and for you giving her to America to watch and love! You were a brilliant man; horseracing lost a very good friend today. My heart goes out to the all of the Jackson family. RIP Mr. Jess Jackson

Debbie - Pearland

Yes, they were established racehorses when he bought them, but gave them to us, for our enjoyment! How many owners do bring back 3 year old champions(HOY) back the next year? Not many :-( How many others, given they would had acquired Rachel, would put her on the campaign we were so lucky to see her in 2009? Not many, if any :-(

Today the Sport of Kings and racing fans everywhere lost a giant among sportsmen. I knew Mr. Jackson was ill but I had hoped he would live to see his dream fulfilled by the foal produced from his two horses of the year. I hope the foal justifies his dream.

To his family, friends and associates I offer my prayers and sincere condolences. I too along with countless others will greatly miss Mr. Jackson.

RIP Mr. Jess Jackson. May the industry show their respect for all you have done for the industry by getting rid of the race day drugs that you were against also!

RIP Jess Jackson

One of my favorite owners in racing

I'm happy he lived long enough to see his two beloved stars bred to one another. There aren’t many owners that I know of who won three consecutive HOTY’s with two different horses. In fact, it may be the only time it happened as far as I know.

Jess Jackson was great for Racing. And a true sportsman when he kept Curlin in training for a 4 yr. old campaign rather than run to the breeding shack and get the quick money of the stud fees like Street Sense and Hard Spun, his two main rivals at 3, did.

His legacy may be perhaps in the offspring of Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. Maybe they should name him/her Jess’s Dream.

May he rest in peace.

he always seemed to love his horses and wanted the best for them and he was a great horseman! R.I.P.

I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Jess Jackson's family and close friends. My his legacy be the continuation of the finest thoroughbred race horses such as Curlin and Rachael.

Mr. Jackson brought so much to this sport. He did what many owners don't do, and should, and that was keep his horses in training for the good of the sport. He took great pride in his horses and clearly loved them. He will be very much missed. I always thought his acceptance speeches for HOTY were the epitome of class and grace. To his wife, family and friends I want to extend my sincere sympathy.

Thank you, Jess Jackson, for all you did for the sport.  You seemed a man of honesty, integrity, and guts.  

R.I.P.

I would like to extended my sympathy to the family of Jess Jackson.  He will be missed by many.  I will forever be grateful for the type of sportsman that is was, allowing Curlin and then Rachel to race at the age of four.  I can only hope that more people in the racing industry will aspired to be like him.

My sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Jess Jackson, who believed more in the sport than the profit.  At a time most owners retire their colts and fillies at three, seeking the highest return on their investments, Jess Jackson campaigned Curlin and Rachel Alexandra as four year olds, giving the racing world something to aim for again.  I am only sorry he didn't live to see Rachel and Curlin's foal born, grow, and hopefully race and win.  While those of us with less might say he had nothing to lose, in fact he had creatures dear to him to lose, and campaigned his horses anyway.  Agree or disagree with these decisions, he did what a sportsman does: always attempt to improve.

So very sorry for Mr. Jackson's wife and children.  He was a true gentleman and I will be forever grateful for his giving us the mighty Curlin and beautiful Rachel.  I do believe he will, indeed, see the precious Curlin-Rachel Alexandra foal. Deepest sympathy.

Rest In Peace Mr. Jackson Sir.

You will forveer be remembered for the many GREAT thinks you brought to the sport of kings.

Thanks for the Memories of Curlin and Rachel and so many more that will thrill us in the future.

Snuggle the many horses who went before you as I am sure the Rainbow Bridge is crowded full of horses looking for you. You are an angel among them...among us...for sure.

Thanks for being a tireless advocate for the horses and betterment of the sport.

My heart goes out to Barbara and all the family as I know they must surely be missing him so much.

They are all in my prayers.

Thanks again Mr. Jackson...Thanks for the memories....

I raise a glass of Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay (truly some of the very best) tonight in your memory.

HorseRacingMania.com will NEVER forget you!

He was a truly great sportsman, and I don't see anyone who cared about racing quite like he did. He was actions, not words.  Mr. Jackson really was unique.  His campaign of Rachel Alexandra is unparalleled, and he will never be forgotten.  I hope that there is a memorial race in his name at Churchill Downs.

Racing is much the poorer with his passing.

I am so very sorry for Mr. Jackson's loss and my condolences go out to his wife and children.  He was a great man and allowed those of us who love the sport to see Rachel reach her true potential and to also give us the pleasure of watching Curlin run.

I believe also that he will see and watch over the much anticipated foal of Curlin/Rachel.  How could it be any other way.  RIP Mr. Jackson.

Just imagine being Mr. Jackson, a horse lover , and watching your horses excell beyond ones wildest dreams. Having CURLIN , The richest horse and now the satifsfaction of seeing his CURLIN foals. Of having owned the awesome RACHEL ALEXANDRA and the other good horses. WHAT FUN HE DID HAVE , that Mr. Jackson !

Was he just lucky , or did he forge his own luck ? Either way, he lived a good life, and a full life and was very fortunate.

Mr. Jackson shared his success with others, made good wine and has a wonderful family, has made history with his beloved horses. Hard to beat. May peace be with you and with your family & close friends.We will remember you.

My deepest sympathy goes out to Barbara Banke and the entire family.

Mr. Jackson was a pillar in the sport of racing. I so wish others had the integrity, courage and determination he consistently exhibited in coming down on the side of the horses. His commitment to ethics in the sport of kings was unmatched.

I will always fondly remember Jess Jackson for the incredible campaigns of my two favorite horses: Rachel Alexandra & Curlin, and regret he'll never see one of the very few dreams he had that did not become a reality during his lifetime: their progeny together.

My prayers go out to Mr. Jackson & his family. They have truly lost an amazingly wonderful man. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of the world.

At a time when some Americans turned their backs on the Thoroughbred Industry, Mr. Jackson supported our shared passion. He devoted much to this sport, and thankfully, he was rewarded with several good horses, and two great ones that will continue to bring us many more racing thrills. Hopefully that passion lives on in his family who will miss him most. My regards to Mr. Jackson and his family. We need more Americans like him.

My thoughts go out to the Jackson family today.  May you all carry the torch as he wanted it done in the horse racing world.  If RA/Curlin's first foal is a colt,  name him "Jess' Wish or Jess' Hope"  to honor their beloved owner Jess Jackson.

R.I.P Sir...

Mr. Jackson, I am having a glass of your good wine and reflecting on RA and Curlin and your unforgettable racing legacy.

Horse racing has lost a great champion of the sport. Your sportsmanship and graciousness will be missed Mr. Jackson. Thank you for allowing Rachel her run at immortality. We will continue to thrill to future stars of the breeding legacy you have chartered. Godspeed.

This great game - and this world - has lost someone who mattered, someone who cannot be replaced. He rattled cages, rocked boats and stirred adrenalin, all because he wanted more than just about anything for racing to achieve the stature and integrity it should be. He was never afraid to do what hadn't been done before or to stand up and be counted, both qualities in much too short supply today. I had more respect for this man than I have for most people and will miss him while I regret all the good changes he did not have time to complete. Thank you Mr. Jackson for proving Curlin so completely instead of just whipping him off to the breeding shed; his soundness and his quality cannot be denied because he demonstrated it at the highest levels. Thank you for sharing Queen Rachel with us, the fans. She was the deserving Horse of the Year, even if too often her accomplishments were shrugged off in the shadow of another filly; Rachel took on the best of the best without regard for age or gender, her goal a championship, not an unbeaten string. Thank you for everything you did for racing and for holding onto what you believed in against all challengers. And if there are racetracks beyond the Bridge, I know you'll be there front and center with the rest of the good guys. My deepest condolences to family and closest friends.

Very sad to loss such an active owner, despite flak he reciveved I think he was one of the best owners out their.

Rest In Peace Mr. Jess Jackson:

My sincerest condolences go out to Barbara Banke, the rest of the Jackson family, friends and employees of this great man.  From the very beginning Mr. Jackson was a throwback to the old school owners that said: “My horse is faster than yours”.  The confidence he showed in campaigning his charges to be a champion race horse no matter the gender is something that will never be forgotten and will go down in Horse Racing lore.  Imagine a filly taking on males 3 times during the sophomore season. Imagine an owner allowing the fans to vote on the next start for his horse, imagine the owner of a Horse Of the Year bringing the horse back for another year.  These things are unfounded, but the norm for such an ambitious, courageous man, who by means of his stature brought fans back to the game like we’ve never seen before.  As a horse racing fan, and as a human being, I am very saddened to hear of Mr. Jackson’s passing.  And more importantly as a family man, prayers go out to his family due to grieving his passing.  You’re sportsmanship and ambitiousness will be sorely missed Mr. Jackson. Rest In Peace.

I am so saddened by our loss of Mr. Jackson..He was a man of principles and a sporting heart.I still remember how happy I was when he brought Curlin back to race..oh Dubai..then..the filly Rachel..if not for his faith in her we would not have witnessed the campaign of a life time..how I remember sitting on the edge of my seat through the preakness..and I don't think any of us will forget her Haskell..the filly giving her best on that day..Jess gave us all a lifetime of wonderful memories..

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family..I am sure he will be sorely missed..the man with the big smile!!

He did so many wonderful things in a short time for racing..

I do like the name Jess’s Dream for the foal of the mighty Curlin and Rachel Alexandra the great..

Ride on the wings of angels Mr. Jackson so you can watch your beloved family and your beloved champions!  

Racing lost a great sportsman today.  Rest in peace and Godspeed, Mr. Jackson.  

Our family sends our sincere sympathy to the Jackson family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Mr. Jackson we THANK YOU for ALL you did for the sport.  May you Rest - now in peace, and proudly watch the offspring of two of the BEST thoroughbreds EVER.  The world of horse racing has lost a man who did more for the sport than many.  Godspeed Jess, and thanks for the memories.

May you walk with God Mr. Jackson

My condolences to Mr. Jackson's family.  It breaks my heart that he won't be able to see Rachel and Curlin's foal.  Racing has lost a great man.  

Racing has lost it'd number 1 fan. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see Rachel and Curlin. Memories I'll never forget.

For       all     the       West       Coast        racing       fans,       and        Zenyatta      fans,        our        heartfelt        sadness       goes       out      to    you      with      his      passing.       We     all      will     miss      his      high      spirits     and     goodness    -   and      his      love      for    his      horses.       Here     on    the       West      Coast      we      will      miss      him      and      all     that       he      did      for       the       Sport    Of      Kings!!         Rest      in     peace      now       Mr.       Jackson.      

"When all the world is old, lad,

And all the trees are brown;

And all the sport is stale, lad,

And all the wheels run down;

Creep home, and take your place there,

The spent and maimed among;

God grant you find one face there,

You loved when all was young" ~ C.Kingsley

R.I.P. Mr. Jackson, you will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Thanks for the ride.

Kendall-JAckson should bottle ChardonNEIGH exclusively from now on in Jess' memory...HIs Chardonnay is the very best and his awesome wine and love of horses should be forever bottled with his unique love combined amongst the two.

I raise my glass tonight in your honor Mr. Jackson Sir.

When I first layed my eyes on Curlin I started to get really into horseracing.Then there was Rachel and now I am a real fan.Thanks for all the good memories and RIP Jess.

My condolences to Mr. Jackson's family. Mr. Jackson we thank you for ALL you did for the sport.God bless you for doing what few others owners would have done.  We need more like him.

Today, Horse racing lost Jess Jackson, the man who did what most owners of 3 year old's wouldn't do, raced a horse at 4 instead of sending him to stud after his 3 year old career. He gave us Rachel Alexandra and boy what a filly. She was a reincarnation of the great ruffian, in my opinion. These two horses were needed in a sport that is slowly dieing, and they brought it back to life and even attracted a whole bunch of life time racing fans. Jess Jackson will be forever remembered as the #1 of horse racing, striving to make his thoroughbreds strong, and stable. I hope he watches over Rachel and her foal too. R.I.P Jess Jackson, you will forever be missed.

Jess Jackson simply "got it".  I'm so sad he didnt live to see the foals RA & Curlin will produce.  Hopefully he is in a place where he can enjoy his work here on Earth & know how much he ment to the people he came in contact with.

Thank you Jess Jackson for giving us Rachel and Curlin. Their progeny and the Curlin-Zenyatta future foal will be your legacy. You will also live on in your K-J (Grand Reserve) Chardonnay. Heartfelt condolences to your wonderful family. Many thanks for your California contributions to both worlds ( wine and horses). Andrea

Thanks to Mr Jackson for wonderful wine and Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. A true sportsman.

Thank you Mr Jackson for bringing

integrity to the world of horse  racing.I'am only saddened that you will witness the birth of Rachael

Alexendra's first foal or colt. My

deepest sympathies go out to your family at this sad time.

May you rest in peace and God bless

Jess Jacksom  

I shutter to think that without Mr. Jackson, we would not have seen what the best filly North America has ever seen, bar none, could do.  Rachel A. is simply the best filly on this side of the ocean, ever.  Without Mr. J., we would have never known we were watching the best.  Thank you so much Mr. J. for recognizing Rachel's brilliance and having the guts to let her show it to the world.  We are so indebted to you.  Rest in peace and God bless.  We will surely miss you.

What else can I say? Rest in peace, with the knowledge that the legacy you built will live on, through the foals of the many great horses you owned. Without you, Rachel's surpassing brilliance many never have been realized, and we would have been without the greatest female modern racing history. Thank you can only go so far, but I offer it again: Thank you so much.

Here's to Jess Jackson watching the Triple Crown races from the best seat in the house this season.

Condolences to Barbara Banke, and the rest of the Jackson family and team.  Barbara, I wish you much success in the future with all the wonderful horses that you and Jess love so much.  I know you won't be alone when you lead them into the winner's circle.      

Thank you so much Sir for allowing Rachel to race against the "Stallions".

If it wasnt for you, racing would never have had such a great filly

You will be missed.

what can i say that bloodhorse won't delete?

racing lost an icon today

RIP

With fondest memories from all in the UK

Thank you Mr. Jackson for all you did for racing. Racing will miss you and your honesty.

A  true  horseman and a  standup guy. Thank you for your contribution to the Sport of Kings.

Hoping for a healthy  foal from the Curlin - Rachel   mating ,      which will be a further tribute to you.   RIP

Wine and horses. It doesn't get any better.

Thank you Mr. Jackson, for your vision.

My condolences to the family of Jess Jackson.  You will be missed, Mr. Jackson!  Thank you for all you did for The Sport of Kings.

Mr. Jackson,

You were one in a million and you will be dearly missed, but remembered by the sons and daughters of your two champions, Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, who carry on your legacy into the Winners' Circle.

Thank you for all you have done. Rest in Peace, Mr. Jackson. You earned it.

"May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your    fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Thank you Jess Jackson for being a true sportsman.  For chasing the dream, and catching it.  We all enjoyed the ride.  God bless you and your family at this sad time.

I echo the same feelings as Mary, post # 3. I grew up watching Secretariat, & my heart was broken when Secretariat passed away in 1989. I quit watching horseracing. Then in 2007, The Mighty Curlin arrived on the scene. He revived my love for horseracing again. I admire Jess Jackson for the way he campaigned both Curlin and Rachel Alexandra. I even went to visit Curlin at Lane's End :) God Bless, Jess and his Family and Friends. Rest in Peace.

Thank you Mr. Jackson, for all you did for racing. Thank you for giving us the thrill of a lifetime by sending Rachel up against the BOYS. I had drifted away from racing until by chance I saw Rachel win the Preakness, what a race, what a filly. The Haskell was great, but the best was yet to come!! The WOODWARD, what a race!!!

Thank you for giving us Rachel's incredible year, a year that no other filly has even come close to.

You left the racing world a better place. God Speed to you Mr. Jackson.

In celebration of a GLORIOUS life rest in peace, Jess - God Bless your Family. We all lose something in the passing but have gained so much through the life you lived.  Amen

To the Jackson family I am so sorry for your loss and wish you all well and that this time brings you healing and joy when you think of Jess and that seeing the horses will remind you of what a good man he was.  I am sorry he didnt get to see his dream horse the foal of Rachel Alexandra and Curlin but I am sure he will be watching from a much better place.  I know we will all be watching for that foal.  Thank you Jess for sharing those wonderful creatures with us may you rest in peace.

I echo the sentiments expressed by all those who have posted before me. What a lovely testament to a great man and a life well lived this memory wall is. Entrepreneur, sportsman, model of integrity, and bottom line decent man, Mr. Jackson was all that and more.

Here's a little (very little)anecdote that demonstrates the kind of man Mr. Jackson was: Preakness 2009. After the race and tropy presentation. I am in the runway between the track and the VIP parking lot. Many are making their way through this concourse. I happen to be engaged in a conversation with the connections of 2nd place finisher Mine That Bird. The tunnel is narrow, and my attention is focused on those with whom I am conversing. I feel a hand gently touch my shoulder, and hear someone say "Excuse me please, young man."  I reflexively turn to see who said these words. It was Mr. Jackson, making his way to his car. I said "Congratulations" and he waved. This is admittedly a small thing, but when you think about it, he could have just brushed past me, curtly. I WAS in the way of people trying to get by. But even to a small-fry fan like me, Mr. Jackson afforded me the decency he would a fellow horseman. He did not see status, he saw another human being. Decency and Integrity was simply part of this man's very moral fabric.

My condolences to Ms. Banke and Jennifer, Laura, Julia, Katie, Christopher, and really, all those who loved and appreciated this fine man. And to Mr. Jackson himself: Thank you for Everything.

May God bless Mr. Jackson's soul and bring peace to his family.He helped change the breeding and horse racing industry while bringing joy to racing fans all over the world. Truly a sportsman!

All the best to his wife and rest of the family.

Thank you. While Rachel's 2010 season was something I didn't agree with, you were still the sportsman and the guiding light we all needed in this modern age. You were the steadfast, noble grandfather to all of us. You loved your horses, and it showed when you were there at the track to watch them run. Why can't we have more people like you in this world?

Rest in peace, Jess. We miss you, and we will continue to miss you. Thank you. Thank you for everything.

Thanks Mr. Jackson for giving us an additional year of Rachel, and Curlin both.  

I am eager to see your dream horse race, and the world will never forget your name.

To the family, I send our prayers, and I pray for peace of mind for each member, and that we'll see horses running with your silks for years to come!

I had the privelege of meeting Mr.Jackson over at Keeneland What a gentle soul this man was.It will be mised by many.We need many more people like Jess Jackson.Condolecens to all the family

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Jackson's passing.  The horse racing industry needs more owners like him and he will be sorely missed.  I just think it's so sad that he didn't live to see Curlin and Rachel's baby.  My prayers go out to his family.

My condolences to Jess Jackson's family and friends.  

Thank you Mr. Jackson for being a class act and allowing us to share in the wonderful world of Curlin and Rachel.  May their foal make you proud.  You will be missed.

May all who love and admire Mr. Jackson be blessed with comfort. I still have my bottle of Rachel Alexandra wine - and will always remember the man behind it. Thanks, Mr. Jackson, for having guts and grit, and for loving those beautiful runners!

To the Jackson Family - I'm so sorry for your loss.

Oh how I wish he could have seen the foal - the dream of a new thoroughbred line .

I send heartfelt condolences to Barbara Banke and the family and to all who loved Mr. Jackson.

I believe that horses go to heaven , and I hope Mr. Jackson gets to meet them and take part in all the activities with them.

I think he said once he saw Seabiscuit on the track - I hope he will meet Seabiscuit again now.

To the  family  of  Jess Jackson

First my  condolences,  what an amazing  man.

I was a  Fan of  Curlin right  from the  get go and  took a  lot of  heat but  i am  so  thankful   that  Jess  brought  him back as a 4 yr old.    What a  ride  it  was  for all of us.  

If that  wasnt  enough i was alson  One of  Rachael Alexanders  biggest  fans

Thanks for  the memories.  I'll have them with me  for the rest of my  life.

Rest in peace  Mr. Jackson

How do we thank you for some of the greatest racing memories?

I especially am grateful that you bought Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, when we were all so worried they would wind up overseas.

Because of you, we have so much to be grateful for. The list is too long to mention. So I will simply say this:

Thank you,and God Bless You for a job well done.

Rest in peace, Mr. Jackson, and I am sad that you did not live along enough to meet Rachel's and Curlin's foal.  Bless you for giving the racing world Miss Rachel, and for allowing her ardent fans to visit her on March 25th., less than a month ago.  Without you, we would never have that thrilling summer of 2009.

Rest in peace Mr. Jackson, you will long be remembered for daring to try the impossible and succeeding.  We thank you for giving us Curlin and Rachel and wait for the day when their offspring will grace the racetrack.

I would like to express my sincerest sympathies to Jess Jackson’s family – his wife Barbara Banke and their children.  The wine industry has lost an entrepreneurial giant; the Thoroughbred racing/breeding industry has lost a staunch ally.  The Thoroughbred industry  was most fortunate to have a man of Mr. Jackson’s stature and influence take such a keen interest in, and work so tirelessly and passionately for,  the betterment of this sport we all love.  He was truly a sporting man as a racing owner.  Thanks to his love of the game and desire to see it enjoyed by racing fans, many of us were fortunate to enjoy extended careers of his two greatest stars and to witness the brilliance of one of the finest fillies of all time.  I felt blessed to have seen RA run twice at Fair Grounds.  I greatly admired his courage and integrity to challenge the status quo and not back down from his detractors on several “hot” issues, such as owners’ agent fees and not racing RA in the 2009 Breeders Cup.    The racing industry owes Mr. Jackson a debt of gratitude for his dedication to improving its legitimacy and integrity and his unselfish vision for extending and enhancing the careers of two of its grandest athletes.  

I have no doubt he was as courageous in his battle with cancer as his Horses of the Year Rachel Alexandra and Curlin were in their battles on the racetrack.  I am heartbroken that he will not get to witness the birth and growth of the first progeny of his two magnificent equine treasures.  

This Easter weekend I am enjoying a bottle of Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay and raising a toast to a man whose influence in fine wine and fine Thoroughbreds will hopefully live on for generations to come.  You will be missed greatly for many reasons by many people, Mr. Jackson.  Thank you for all of your life contributions.

I was so shocked when I saw this on the front page of the L.A. Times and sadden. I believe he did a lot of good for the industry and only wish that he would have been around to see the beautiful baby that will be here next year by Curlin out of Rachel. Thank you for the good times Mr. Jackson.