SMARTY JONES (ELUSIVE QUALITY) Chestnut Thoroughbred, Foaled February 28, 2001.
Trainer: John Servis
Jockey: Stewart Elliott
Smarty Jones Race Record:
Belmont Park, USA - 2004 Belmont Stakes 2nd
Pimlico Race Course, USA 2004 Preakness Stakes 1st
Churchill Downs, USA 2004 Kentucky Derby 1st
Oaklawn Park, USA 2004 Arkansas Derby 1st
Oaklawn Park, USA 2004 Rebel Stakes 1st
Oaklawn Park, USA 2004 Southwest Stakes 1st
2004 Count Fleet Stakes 1st
Racehorse Smarty Jones may have been denied horseracing’s Triple Crown, but his tale of glory from humble Philadelphia beginnings won the hearts of equine fans, as his story and those on the journey captured the imagination of America.
Owned by Roy and Patricia Chapman of Someday Farm, Smarty Jones was the offspring of a partnership formed by trainer Bobby Camac, who suggested that the Chapman’s breed their filly I’ll Get Along, to stallion Elusive Quality.
Camac’s suggestion resulted in a colt born on February 28th, 2001. He was named after co-owner Patricia’s late mother, Milly McNair, nicknamed “Smarty Jones” by her parents - the two shared a birthday and a strong-willed nature.
The Chapmans had intended for Camac to train Smarty Jones, but this plan was tragically ended in 2001. Bobby and his wife Maryann were murdered by Maryann’s son from her previous marriage.
"It was a total shock, numbing. We didn't know what to do next." Roy Chapman, Owner
The tragedy, combined with Chapman’s ill health almost led to the family giving up on horseracing. They sold their farm and all but two of their horses - one of which was the horse who’s breeding Camac had organised himself: Smarty Jones.
A friend, trainer Mark Reid, recommended he be sent to John Servis,
“When he came, he came with a label on him that he had some talent.” John Servis, Trainer
But his story was almost ended during routine schooling in the stalls, Smarty Jones reared and was knocked unconscious by the gates. He survived - but his injuries were severe; a fractured skull and broken orbital socket.
He was lucky to make a full recovery and return to training. The fanfare surrounding his ability was valid when he triumphed on debut at Philadelphia Park, before he dominated the Pennsylvania Nursery Stakes by 15 lengths.
His major success came in the 2004 Kentucky Derby he overtook Lion Heart to win by two-and-three quarter lengths, making him the first undefeated Derby winner since Seattle Slew in 1977.
After this victory, Bobby Camac’s influence was never forgotten.
"We know Bob's involved someway, somewhere." Gene Camac, Brother
Smarty Jones returned to Philadelphia for a hero’s welcome, the local area displayed his blue and white colours in celebration and he graced the cover of Sports Illustrated.
“You come around the bend to our street, and the whole way down the development, every single mailbox has got blue and white balloons,” John Servis, Trainer
Fans even held “Smarty Parties” to watch his races. On May 15th 2004, 112,668 fans flooded Pimlico Race Course to watch his next victory in the Preakness Stakes.
The race unfolded in a similar fashion to the Kentucky Derby, Lion Heart took an early lead, followed closely by Smarty Jones.
Jockey Stewart Elliott was able to steer Smarty Jones to the lead and in a style reminiscent of Secretariat's 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont, he won by 11 ½ lengths.
Smarty Jones became a Philadelphian treasure as fans adored his will to win and personality shouting "Smarty! Smarty! Smarty!"
His only defeat also denied him the Triple Crown, as 36-1 shot Birdstone won the Belmont Stakes by a length - much to the disbelief of his adoring Philadelphian fans, who had gathered to watch the race in the rain in Downtown Philadelphia.
Sadly, injury prevented him racing again, and he was retired due to chronic bruising of the cannon bone in all four fetlock joints.
Jockey Stewart Elliott had ridden him in every race of his career.
He had won eight of his nine starts, and earned $7,613,155 USD.
"He doesn't owe us anything, and we owe him a lot." Patricia Chapman, Owner
His prize money included Oaklawn’s first $5 million bonus for winning the Rebel Stakes, Arkansas Derby, and Kentucky Derby.
He now resides at Rodney Eckenrode's Equistar Farm, Pennsylvania, where fans still send birthday and Christmas cards.
His legacy lives on through his progeny who have been successful around the world, including Japanese record setter Keiai Gerbera and Uruguyan champion Bamba y Bamba.
He is also honoured by Oaklawn Park with early Derby prep race: The Smarty Jones Stakes.
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