It is with great sorrow and profound respect that we honor the life and legacy of Professor Gordon Jones, a visionary in the world of horse racing and education, who passed away on April 18, 2025, just four days after celebrating his 95th birthday. Widely regarded as a pioneer in speed and pace handicapping, Jones’s innovative approaches transformed the landscape of horse racing analysis and education.
Born in 1930, Jones graduated from Whittier College, where his father served as president. He later earned a Ph.D. and held teaching positions at esteemed institutions, including the University of Southern California and Arizona State University. His academic career was marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for mentoring students, many of whom went on to make significant contributions in their respective fields.
Jones’s influence extended beyond academia into the realm of horse racing journalism. As a turf writer and handicapper for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner, he brought insightful analysis and a deep understanding of the sport to a broad audience. His best-selling book, Gordon Jones to Win (1976), introduced innovative concepts in speed and pace handicapping, laying the groundwork for modern analytical approaches in the sport. He was known for bringing his spiral notebook filled with speed figures to the track at a time when such methods were unconventional, a testament to his forward-thinking approach.
In addition to his writing, Jones was renowned for his engaging pre-race handicapping seminars, which attracted legions of racegoers eager to learn from his expertise. His ability to demystify complex concepts and present them in an accessible manner made him a beloved figure among both novices and seasoned bettors.
Jones’s contributions to horse racing were not without controversy. In 1985, he was arrested on suspicion of felony bookmaking, accused of accepting bets from students at a handicapping class he conducted. Despite this setback, his reputation as a knowledgeable and passionate advocate for the sport endured.
Throughout his life, Jones remained dedicated to the advancement of horse racing analysis and education. His work laid the foundation for many of the analytical tools and methodologies used in the sport today. As we remember Professor Gordon Jones, we celebrate a life marked by innovation, education, and an unwavering passion for horse racing. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations in the field.