Jones Is Hospitalized After Mild Heart Attack

Gary Jones, one of the nation’s most successful trainers, was resting comfortably Saturday in the coronary care unit of Arcadia Methodist Hospital after suffering a mild heart attack.

According to his assistant trainer, Rafael Becerra, Jones, 48, went to the hospital late Thursday night complaining of severe stomach pains. Jones’ father, former trainer Farrell Jones, has a history of heart problems.

“It might be more like a case of angina,” Jones said. “It’s taken the doctors a couple of days to figure it out. My enzyme count is up, and they performed an angiogram.

“They found a full blockage of one ventricle, but it was not an important one. Two other ventricles do the exact same job. The good news is I don’t need surgery.

“I’d like to get out Monday or Tuesday, but that’s up to the doctors. I’m raring to go. My blood pressure is fluctuating a little bit and the doctor told me I have to stop smoking. I’ll tell you, this scared me pretty good.”

Jones, who trains Best Pal, Art Of Living, Stuka and Yappy, among others, ranked third in the national standings in 1992 behind Wayne Lukas and Ron McAnally. He is currently tied for second with Mike Mitchell in the Santa Anita standings with 12 victories, three behind leader Sandy Shulman.