PA Horse Racing Commissioner

Biography: Russell B. Jones is a lifelong horseman and former owner of Walnut Green, the well-known Pennsylvania-based purchasing and sales consignment company he co-founded in the 1970s with his brother Richard.

Under the leadership of Russell and his brother, Walnut Green grew to become one of the largest sales agencies outside of central Kentucky, and Russell became one of the most recognizable names in the sales market.

The brothers sold Walnut Green 10 years ago, and although Russell moved on to semi-retirement, he remains as busy as ever. Russell Jones is now in business for himself, as a pinhooker. He buys mares, breeds them, and then sells the mares in foal the following winter. This year, he has 13 mares going to the sales.

Russell’s expertise led to his appointment as a member of the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission where he is currently serving his second term. Russell is an avid foxhunter. At age 83 he still rides for much of the year, and keeps his foxhunters on his own farm in Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania.