THE FULL STORY: In the spring of 2004, among the million-dollar equine superstars of racing was a small chestnut colt named Smarty Jones. Undefeated in his first eight races, Smarty staked his claim as one of the greatest racehorses of our time by winning the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Foaled on February 28, 2001, Smarty shares his birthday with owner Patricia Chapman’s mother, Mildred McNair, nicknamed “Smarty Jones” by her grandparents. Eventually Smarty was sent to train with John Servis at Philadelphia Park, where he won his maiden race as a two-year-old, and continued his unbeaten streak into his three-year old season, racking up six consecutive victories before traveling to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby. On May 1, 2004, Smarty Jones won the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Lexington, beating 18 of the best Thoroughbreds in the world. In 130 runnings, he is only the fifth unbeaten winner of the “Run for the Roses.” Only two weeks later, Smarty won the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico by a decisive 11 ½ lengths, the largest margin in Preakness history. Pressed by challenger after challenger in the Belmont, the brave little colt refused to relinquish his early lead and was overtaken in the last few furlongs of the race, ending his gallant effort to capture the Triple Crown. With his Derby win and Oaklawn Park Centennial Bonus, Smarty Jones earned the largest payoff ever for winning a race and vaulted to fourth on the all-time earners list. He captured the hearts of racing fans everywhere, with record crowds in attendance at Pimlico and Belmont to cheer him on.
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