Nobody can ever accuse Douglas Jones of not being persistent.

    Jones is the breeder, owner and trainer of Rusty Pistol, a 5-year-old son of Bahamian Squall, and Jones has been trying to break his maiden since 2022. In his first 11 starts, 10 of them at Tampa Bay Downs, the best Rusty Pistol could muster up was a trio of thirds. The streak ended on Friday, when Sara Hess guided the 5-year-old to his first victory in a 5 1/2-furlong race in Oldsmar.

    Rusty Pistol passed the poles in :22.24, :45.68 and :58.42 en route to a three-quarters of a length score in a final time of 1:05.26. He paid $3.80 and earned a check of $10,250 plus a breeder’s award for Jones. Rusty Pistol has now banked $19,725.