Business giant and long-standing owner Jon S Kelly dies at 84

Prominent Californian businessman Jon S Kelly, known in these circles most recently for the top-class Irish filly Cayenne Pepper, has died aged 84.

An owner of horses all around the world with such trainers as Jessica Harrington, Bob Baffert, Richard Mandella and Gai Waterhouse, he made his name in radio and television, founding the Kelly Broadcasting Company and operating stations around America.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Kelly later founded the River City Bank in Sacramento and was a major investor in property.

He had owned horses since the early 1960s with his most successful being Borrego, whom he also co-bred and won the 2005 Pacific Classic and Jockey Club Gold Cup with. Borrego went on to become a stallion in Kentucky.

Cayenne Pepper, winner of last year’s Flame of Tara Stakes, has carried Kelly’s green, white and red colours to second place in both the Pretty Polly Stakes and Irish Oaks. She is now registered to his wife, Sarah.

Jon Kelly (centre) and Harriet Jellett (right) with Cayenne Pepper after victory in the Flame Of Tara Stakes at the CurraghCredit: Caroline Norris

Kelly’s long-time friend Harriet Jellett had secured the filly as a foal for him at Tattersalls, and spoke of his selfless qualities.

She said: "He was just a very special man. He never bragged or did anything that promoted himself, and he did so much for other people.

"I knew him completely through racing but he became a very big friend and a big influence on not only my life but on my daughter, Philippa Mains.

"It started with the sending of a mare called Flying Fairy, who was the dam of the stallion [and 1998 Irish Guineas winner] Desert Prince, and we had mares and friendship from there. Sarah, his wife, is one of my greatest friends.

"I believe there was an occasion when one particular young man received a Remi Award [for broadcasting] and when he received it he stood up and gave it to Jon Kelly as his mentor. I think that gives you an idea of the calibre of the man."

Two years ago, Kelly was involved in the purchase of a A$2 million colt at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, while last month at Santa Anita, Gingham won the Listed Angels Flight Stakes for Sarah Kelly and Jane Wiltz.

Kelly had been a member of the board of directors of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club since 2008 and was also a member of The Jockey Club in America, as well as being involved with many boards and charitable organisations.

He had been suffering from cancer for several years and died on Saturday surrounded by family members at his farm in Rancho Santa Fe, a day after turning 84.

“He was quite a guy,” said his friend Dr Greg Ferraro, chairman of the California Horse Racing Board. “He could make anyone laugh. He always lifted your spirits.”

Ferraro revealed that Kelly had sent him to a Louisville hospital for a life-saving operation and then made a huge donation to the hospital in Ferraro’s name.

“He didn’t make it in his name, which he should have,” said Ferraro, “but that was Jon. He did so many good things for so many people and never bragged or looked for credit. He just was a good person who did good things. He was special.”

Kelly has requested no service but those wishing to make a donation have been encouraged to support two of his favourite projects – the Center for Equine Health at the UC Davis School for Veterinary Medicine or the Gregson Foundation, a cause which helps US stable staff and their families.

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