Bensalem/Annvile, PA (April 24, 2025) – History was made today with the announcement that Smarty Jones, the Pennsylvania-bred horse that captured the hearts of sports and horse fans across the world during his historic race for the Triple Crown in 2004, will be inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Smarty is one of seven new inductees into the Hall of Fame and is the only inductee from the 2025 class to be selected from the contemporary racing category. This was Smarty Jones’ first year as a finalist on the ballot and his selection makes him only the fourth Pennsylvania-bred thoroughbred to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Smarty Jones was born on February 28, 2001 at Roy and Pat Chapman’s 100-acre Someday Farm in Chester County, PA. He began his racing career at Philadelphia Park (now Parx Racing) in November 2003 and was trained by Parx-based trainer John Servis. Smarty now stands at stud at Rodney Eckenrode’s Equistar Farm near Annville, PA.
New Smarty Jones Exhibit Opening at Parx Race Track
The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Parx Racing plan to open a new Smarty Jones exhibit at Parx Racetrack in Bensalem that will open to the public on Kentucky Derby Day, Saturday, May 3. The exhibit will feature a wide range of Smarty Jones memorabilia from owner Pat Chapman, including his Smarty Jones and Belmont Stakes trophies, racing silks, and a range of other unique items. A special media preview of the exhibit will take place on Friday, May 2.
Facts About Smarty Jones’ Racing Career
A chestnut colt bred in Pennsylvania, Smarty was trained by John Servis and ridden exclusively by jockey Stewart Elliott. After winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes by a record 11 1/2 lengths, Smarty was undefeated with eight first place finishes in eight races heading into the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown. After placing second in the Belmont, a length behind Birdstone, Smarty retired with a record of 8-1-0 in 9 starts. The 24-year-old Smarty continues to live in Pennsylvania, where he stands at stud at Equistar Training and Breeding Center in Annville, PA.
Smarty was on Time magazine’s list of most influential “people” in 2004 and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and numerous other publications. His 11 1/2-length Preakness victory remains the largest in the race’s 149-year history.
To earn induction into the Hall of Fame, finalists must receive a majority of votes from the voting panel. The induction ceremony will be held on Friday, August 1 at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Cover Photo Credit to Skip Dickstein
English
Spanish