Racing world mourns the death of trainer LeRoy Jolley

LeRoy Jolley, the Hall of Fame trainer of Kentucky Derby winners Foolish Pleasure (1975) and Genuine Risk (1980), has died following an illness, the Daily Racing Form reported Wednesday.

Those in the racing world who knew the Hot Springs, Ark., native were quick to remember him as both personable and professional, a fixture on the New York circuit throughout his career.

Jolley, elected to the Hall of Fame in 1987, recorded 991 wins, according to Equibase, and his horses earned more than $35 million. In addition to his Derby triumphs, Jolley trained Manila, who won the 1986 Breeders’ Cup Turf and the next year’s Arlington Million, as well as 1990 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Meadow Star.

Manila was the conditioner’s top earner from 15 Grade 1 winners, according to Equibase.