Prominent Owner/Breeder Jack Preston Dies at 84

Another prominent member of a generation of horsemen known for their sportsmanship and integrity quietly slipped away May 4 when owner/breeder Jack Preston died at his home in The Woodlands, north of Houston. He was 84.

"He was very close to his brothers, and it is really a shame because they were a class of guys that is gone forever," said longtime friend and racing partner Brian Boudreau. "It was so incredible to have them in the horse business. They will be missed."

Jack Preston bred and raced multiple high-profile horses with his brother Art, who died in March 2008 due to head injuries suffered in a fall, and J.R., who died in 2001. Together, they owned and operated an oil and gas business with its office in The Woodlands and owned Prestonwood Farm near Versailles, Ky., which was sold in 2000 and is now WinStar Farm. Jack Preston also was active in a variety of commercial real estate projects.

One of the brothers' most accomplished racehorses was 1998 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Victory Gallop, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) to Real Quiet. With a hard-charging finish in deep stretch, Victory Gallop ended Real Quiet's bid for a Triple Crown by a nose.

"It was a huge day, and there was a huge crowd because everyone thought Real Quiet was going to win the Triple Crown," Boudreau said. "It was so crowded that we barely got back to our seats for the race. They were coming out of the gate when we finally got to the box.

"Then, later, we were sitting at dinner at the hotel near Belmont, and Bob Baffert and Mike Pegram were there, and they were such great sports," Boudreau said, referring to Real Quiet's trainer and owner. "They lost the $5 million bonus that was still around then, and they both could not have been more gracious, and dinner was wonderful. It ended up being a crazy drinking night afterward."

"Jack is definitely the last in a generation of horse lovers from a bygone time," said Rich Decker, who worked for the Prestons beginning in 1985 and managed Prestonwood. "Their horse business in a lot of ways paralleled the oil business. They understood that just because you have the best horse in the race doesn't mean you're going to win. You could have the best (oil field) prospect in the country, too, and that didn't mean it would produce."

Racing as Prestonwood Farm or Preston Stables, the brothers also campaigned two-time Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) winner Da Hoss; 1987 Eclipse champion sprinter Groovy; three-time grade 1 winner Flat Out ; and multiple grade 1 winner Special Ring, who won consecutive runnings of the Eddie Read Handicap (G1T) in 2003-04.

Some of Jack Preston's other top horses included 1998 Del Mar Oaks (G1T) and San Clemente Handicap (G2T) winner Sicy D'Alsace, whom he co-owned with Boudreau. Preston and his wife, Melissa, owned a home in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., where they stayed during the summer so they could go to the races at Del Mar.

"We rented a suite with him every year, and that was the center of fun," Boudreau said. "I remember a horse I found for him that he bought called Churchland. He won the Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar at more than 22-1. You would have thought we'd won the Kentucky Derby. Everyone bet on him, and it was a really wonderful day."

Boudreau, who met Preston more than 30 years ago through mutual friend and bloodstock agent William DeBurgh, said he'll always remember Preston for his even temperament and inviting personality.

"He was not only one of the smartest and quietest guys you'd ever know, he was never cross. I never saw him get mad at anyone, and (he was) very forgiving and super understanding. He was constantly surrounded by family," he said. "The industry has lost an enthusiastic supporter, and there isn't a better man. He was from a different time that was all about your honor and your word. If he said, 'Yes,' it was 'Yes.' You didn't have to worry about a contract. The deal was done."

Jack Preston and his brothers' enthusiasm for racing extended to their commitment to quality aftercare for their horses following their racing and breeding careers. Melissa Preston has requested that friends make a contribution in her husband's honor to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farms near Georgetown, Ky., where Special Ring resides.