Haute 100 Update: Jess Jackson of Kendall-Jackson Lives On through $50,000 Thoroughbred Stakes in his Honor

The late Jess Jackson – co-founder of the renowned Kendall-Jackson Winery, passionate racehorse owner and breeder, and Haute 100 San Francisco member – continues to live on through his label and his ardent love of racing with the inaugural running of the $50,000 Jess Jackson Stakes. The race will honor Jackson and will be run at the Sonoma County Fair this August 6th.

Jackson is perhaps most well known in the racing circuit for his award-winning horses, Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, and his Stonestreet Stable operation. Although the beloved Jackson passed away on April 21st at his home in Geyersville, he will be honored through the upcoming Jess Jackson Stakes.

Sonoma County Fair manager Tawny Tesconi believes that through this inaugural race, Jackson may live on through a race that is “a worthy tribute to someone who has committed so much to Sonoma County and Thoroughbred racing.”

Jess Jackson’s widow, Barbara Banke, responded, “My family and I were so very touched when we heard. He would have been so proud, as this was the community that he chose to call home.”

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets. To see the entire Haute 100 San Francisco list, click here.