On Saturday, August 9th, 2025, guest of honor and most recent inductee into Horse Racing’s Hall of Fame, Smarty Jones greeted several hundred guests and loyal fans to his party at Equistar Training and Breeding in Annville, PA. “The stars kept lining up for Smarty, and the first “Smarty Party” started after he won his first race at Oaklawn Park, the Southwest Stakes, on his three year old birthday, February 28th 2004,” recalled Pat Chapman, Smarty’s owner. “He got his crown now,” said Chapman, referring to Smarty’s Hall of Fame title and grand finale to his racing career. “This has been an amazing ride and a whirlwind, and I’m thrilled that Smarty’s still creating excitement after twenty one years,” Chapman said.
Photo Credit to Kim Pratt
Family, friends, and fans traveled from Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey, and numerous other states to see Smarty and share in the celebration of his award. Abundant amounts of his favorite snacks, peppermints and carrots, were on hand, and his devoted fans visited with him outside his stall. Thriving under the care of Rodney and Sharon Eckenrode, Smarty and Rodney walked along the path outside the barn where Smarty posed for pictures. “I’m blessed to have him here, and he just steals your heart. The best part is that Pat lets me pretend he’s mine,” Rodney laughed. At age twenty four, Smarty Jones still looks and acts like the three year old that captivated America’s hearts.
In a spacious tent decorated with pictures of Smarty Jones, guests were treated to delicious, tender, honey pulled pork, fresh fruit and vegetables, and yummy cookies and sweet treats. In honor of Smarty, tables were laden with peppermints, and photographs and information about the three stallions at Equistar, Smarty Jones, Brody’s Cause, and Zozos, were available. Fans shared stories about Smarty and remembered his fabulous wins like they were yesterday. “Smarty was my hometown hero. I’m originally from York, but now I live in Maple Glen, PA, and it was like Smarty came out of Aladdin’s lamp when he won the Kentucky Derby. I couldn’t believe a Pennsylvania bred won the Derby and the Preakness and almost took the Triple Crown. I watched the documentary about him and read that he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, so I had to come here and touch base with my hero,” said Carol Bonnet.
Photo Credit to Kim Pratt
“I’m from Bucks County and a fan of Smarty Jones. I went to Saratoga to see the ceremony because he’s a hometown hero. I’m a racing fan, and I followed his career. I went to the Triple Crown, and I’ve been to the Breeders’ Cup. Smarty brought people together from all walks of life at a time when we needed healing, and people rooted for the “blue collar” horse,” said Cheryl Schrier. “During COVID, people watched more horse racing, and hopefully became fans, but nothing compares to a hometown hero like Smarty Jones.”
Also in attendance, State Senator Chris Gebhard presented Smarty and his owner, Pat Chapman, with an official Senate Citation recognizing Smarty’s induction into the Hall of Fame and his legacy as the “only horse in PA to receive the honor.” Smarty wore his blanket from the Hall of Fame as he walked and posed for photos with his fans. “I have Smarty in every room in my house. Pictures of him are everywhere. He’s just a rock star to me,” were comments overheard from the crowd.
“I’ve been following Smarty since the beginning of his career when he first raced at Philadelphia Park,” said Jay Metzler, owner of WinRose Farm and Equine Limousine Service in Quakertown, PA. “Now I’ve had the chance to be around him and take mares back and forth to Kentucky and Maryland to breed to him. He’s a special horse, and Rodney does an excellent job with him here at Equistar.”
Photo Credit to Kim Pratt
“The intrigue with Smarty began when he was outworking all the horses at Bridlewood Farm in Florida where he was training before he came to the race track,” explained Pat Chapman. “George Isaacs called us and asked if we wanted to sell, but we said no. We knew he was special. We had to pick a new trainer because our trainer, Bob Camac and his wife, Maryann, were murdered. We chose a young trainer, John Servis, and he did a phenomenal job. He was able to handle the stress, and he did a great job with the media. We had the right jockey too. People asked if we wanted to change to a well known jockey, but we said no. Stuart Elliott was terrific. We had a horse from the “wrong side of the tracks,” but we stuck with our roots, and we were thrilled that it all worked out.”
Pat Chapman deserves thanks for sharing Smarty Jones with his devoted fans. Smarty seemed to enjoy his party and behaved like a champion. Smarty Jones Stakes Day at Parx Racing is Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Post time 12:40P.M.
