Hall of Fame trainer Leroy Jolley has passed away. The son of Moody Jolley, also a trainer, was born in Hot Springs Arkansas but made his name in the game on the New York circuit training some of the sports best.
He won the Kentucky Derby twice, with Foolish Pleasure, and with the great filly Genuine Risk. He operated a powerhouse stable for owners like Peter Brant and Bertram Firestone. His shed row rivaled the best in the game.
I knew Leroy Jolley personally and used to hang around his barn with his son Lee and a lot of his great horses when I was a kid. He was always nice to me and gave me and my rider Donald Smith a few mounts while I was briefly an agent. He trained Meadow Star, Manila, Track Barron, Honest Pleasure and so many others. RIP old friend.
