Smarty Jones, a chestnut colt with a blaze and a white stocking on his left hind leg, is one of the most iconic horses in American racing history. Born on February 28, 2001, at Someday Farm in Pennsylvania, Smarty Jones was bred by Roy and Patricia Chapman, and later owned by Roy and Patricia Chapman's racing stable, Someday Farm. The colt's sire was Elusive Quality, a stakes-winning son of Gone West, while his dam was I'll Get Along, a daughter of Smile.
Early Life and Training
Smarty Jones was trained by John Servis, a veteran trainer with a reputation for developing young horses. As a yearling, Smarty Jones was sent to John Servis’ training facility in Philadelphia, where he began his early training. Servis recalled that Smarty Jones was a “big, gangly colt” who showed promise from an early age. The colt’s early training regimen included a mix of jogging, galloping, and breezing, which helped him develop his endurance and speed.
Racing Career
Smarty Jones made his racing debut on July 17, 2003, at Philadelphia Park, winning a six-furlong maiden special weight by 7 3⁄4 lengths. The colt went on to win his next two starts, including the Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes, before suffering his first loss in the Aventura Stakes at Gulfstream Park. However, Smarty Jones bounced back from this defeat to win the Count Fleet Stakes at Aqueduct, setting the stage for his successful 2004 campaign.
In 2004, Smarty Jones won the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park, the Arkansas Derby, and the Kentucky Derby, becoming the first undefeated horse to win the Derby since Seattle Slew in 1977. The colt's Derby victory was particularly impressive, as he won by 2 3/4 lengths over Lion Heart, with a time of 2:04.06 for the 1 1/4 miles. Smarty Jones' success continued in the Preakness Stakes, where he won by a record 11 1/2 lengths, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 118.
| Race | Finish | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | 1st | 2 3/4 lengths |
| Preakness Stakes | 1st | 11 1/2 lengths |
| Belmont Stakes | 2nd | 1 length |
Triple Crown Bid and Later Career
Smarty Jones’ bid for the Triple Crown ended with a second-place finish in the Belmont Stakes, where he was defeated by Birdstone by a length. Despite this disappointment, Smarty Jones’ 2004 campaign was one of the most impressive in recent racing history, earning him the Eclipse Award for 3-Year-Old Male and the distinction of being the first Pennsylvania-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby.
After his Triple Crown bid, Smarty Jones was retired to stud due to a bone bruise in his left ankle. The colt stood at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky, where he sired several stakes winners, including the graded stakes winner, Smart Exchange. In 2008, Smarty Jones was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport of horse racing.
Legacy and Impact
Smarty Jones’ legacy extends beyond his racing career, as he helped to popularize horse racing in the United States and inspired a new generation of racing fans. The colt’s rags-to-riches story, from his humble beginnings as a Pennsylvania-bred horse to his success on the national stage, captivated the imagination of the American public and earned him a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts.
What was Smarty Jones’ racing record?
+Smarty Jones won 8 of his 9 starts, with 1 second-place finish, and earned $7,613,155 in purses.
Who trained Smarty Jones?
+Smarty Jones was trained by John Servis.
What was Smarty Jones’ most notable achievement?
+Smarty Jones’ most notable achievement was winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 2004, earning him a shot at the Triple Crown.
