By Pat Chapman
It is hard to find appropriate words to express my deep gratitude to the Hall of Fame committee for nominating Smarty Jones as a finalist on this years ballot. This is an extreme honor and one I feel is well deserved by this great horse who ran his way into the hearts of so many people. He brought scores of new fans into the world of thoroughbred racing. I can’t tell you how many people have said, and still do, that Smarty was the first race horse they ever watched and fell in love with. He started his career late in 2003, due to a starting gate accident, at Philadelphia Park, a “blue collar track”, and won his way into Triple Crown races via Oaklawn Park (where the first of many “Smarty Parties” took place). They loved him and adopted him as their own! This horse came along at a time when our country was still reeling and recovering after 911. He gave us all something to feel good about and to root for, the “underdog” from Philly, the wrong side of the track. He carried with him an older gentleman in a wheelchair, a trainer, John Servis, a jockey, Stewart Elliot, a veterinarian, Patty Hogan, and me, all who had to buckle up for a ride none of us will ever forget. He gave hope, courage, and inspiration to multitudes after his recovery from a near career-ending injury. Smarty ran and won on sloppy tracks and fast tracks at 9 different distances and won 8 out of those 9 times. He was on Time Magazines’s list of most influential “people” of 2004 and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and numerous other publications.
On behalf of the Chapman/Hayden family and Team Smarty I want to thank all of the fans, the sports writers and commentators, who have believed in and supported Smarty Jones and have kept his memory alive and well! A special thanks goes out to ALL who have played a part in the newest documentary—Ride Of A Lifetime—The Smarty Jones Story.
An emotional and heartfelt THANK YOU!
Pat Chapman
Someday Farm
