Smarty Jones Tribute

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

monica — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 02:46:58 GMT

Mr Haskin,

Thank you so much for these series about Smarty! Without a doubt, if it weren't for him, I would not be a racing fan, neither would my husband, daughter and several close friends who are all fans because I became a fan. I was never the little girl who "loved horses". I turned 40 in '04 and that was when my love affair began. Being from Jersey, right across the river from Bensalem, PA, I fell hard for the little scrappy local horse. When he left the sport, I did not! Since 2004 I've experienced the highs (Zenyatta) and lows (Barbaro's tragedy) of the sport. I never tire of standing by the walking ring and gazing at the beauty of the Thoroughbred. I've made friends in the sport and this past Preakness I worked the trophy table! (saw you there) My daughter (10) takes riding lessons, sleeps with a dozen stuffed horses(all named after racehorses), can read a race program like a pro and wants to be an outrider when she grows up. I enjoy so much having to do with horses and racing...and it's ALL because of Smarty.

All of the tours for Ghost Ridge are booked for now, but as soon as I'm able I'm going to go out to welcome my "first love" back to the USA.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Pat C. — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 03:09:27 GMT

Steve,

Thanks for the tribute! And all the memories you bring back. You DO capture it all so well. Would love to chat again sometime.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

tcc — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 02:54:59 GMT

sceptre;

When I look at Smarty's pedigree, what I see is versatility. He can be bred for distance or sprints, turf or dirt, all depending on the mare's family. Karen in Indiana 20 Jun 2011 5:32 PM.

Karen has something here, key words are (all depending on the mare's family.) After looking at 30 of his highly rated horses, most of them were suited to sprinting and short to midrange routes, not the classic distances that he won at. (Kentucky Derby, Preakness).

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Mike Relva — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:41:46 GMT

SCEPTRE

Totally disagree! Smarty isn't a "dud" at stud.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

calico cat — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:27:46 GMT

MD - Good to see a comment from you again. It's been a long time. I'm glad that Mr. Haskin's beautiful piece on Smarty prompted you to share some of your thoughts about this lovable horse and how he brought you to help in the rescue of horses and (eventually)to adopting a Thoroughbred. Kudos to you for doing that and I wish you great riding on your regally bred steed. :)

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Linda in Texas — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:41:57 GMT

Thank you Paula, every time you post something i want to post "me too, me too."

We needed Smarty Jones when he came along and he took our minds off things as they were taking a turn for the not so good. I lived thru Mr. Chapman's same health issue with my father. I wanted Mr. Chapman to realize his dream, but he must be thrilled that we are still talking about Smarty Jones when so many other horses are gone and forgotten. And kindest thoughts to his dear wife Mrs. Chapman.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

calico cat — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:36:53 GMT

Mr. Haskin,

Your comment regarding Runflatout made me want to join you and Dr D. in that barefoot dance in the meadow. Thank you! Only those who know me understand what these kind words mean to this Haskinite. For those who don't, let's just say that I'm on cloud 9,999. :)

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Linda in Texas — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:31:45 GMT

There are some deliciously precious people who happen to be full of heart that i dearly adore on here and I want them all to know if i had to, i would fight a bull dozier for everyone of you!

So glad 'The Bumster' stopped preening the garden long enough to come read that Steve is famous again and still and that i am not the only Smarty Jones admirer and Runflatout is headed for stardom.

And it is only Monday.

And by the way, for wide grins and smiles watch the video of The Belmont Race 5 run on the 18th. It will do your heart wonders. His name is Rocky World. He epitomizes the phrase, never give up.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Mike Relva — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:31:07 GMT

STEVE

Question,please? At the time of retirement,did Smarty have any other issues besides the bad ankles? How severe were/are they?

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

TerriV — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:09:45 GMT

Such a wonderful story, Steve. All the ups and downs of life. The story of the little boy whose wish came true brought tears, but somehow your stories always do. Remembering Smarty is remembering the best, most exciting races in recent history and the most disappointing. I just loved him and still do. Couldn't help but notice how many times the TV coverage replayed his Belmont this year. And each time I keep hoping something will change and he'll win. Every time I see Smarty's Belmont I'm still not over it. But, I was there for his Preakness which was the most exciting racing experience I've ever enjoyed. The energy and love that followed Smarty across that finish line was extraordinary. Thanks for the memories!

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Paula Higgins — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:53:52 GMT

Steve, loved this!!! My heart was with Smarty all the way and when he lost by an inch it was an incredible downer (more than Zenyatta in the 2010 Breeders Cup, who I think/know walks on water). Primarily because I felt so bad for Mr. Chapman, who I knew was sick. The look on his face broke my heart. Smarty was a GREAT horse. One of the most memorable ever. He was truly beloved by everyone. I did not blame the Chapman's for retiring him at all. They were lovely people. I am so glad Smarty is doing well and that Pat Chapman is doing well. John Servis did a great job with Smarty also. Thank you Steve for the update on him. It made my day. Dr Drunkinbum, you are a classic and your posts make me smile ear to ear. Linda in Texas, likewise.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

sceptre — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:47:11 GMT

Steve,

Once again I imagine this won't be taken well by you, or many of your readers. But, what I'm about to offer isn't said for mere dissent, or anything ego-related. I noticed that you labeled the blogger who referred to Smarty as a "dud" at stud as one who "obviously hasn't a clue." I must respectfully disagree with that conclusion of yours, as I believe it's now reasonable to call Smarty a relative dud a stud. Mr. Nerud may, or may not be a "...true genius in racing..." and, perhaps, his seven year grace period had some validity back then, but it's unduly long for those stallions of today-the ones that receive initially very large books of mares. Smarty was among that group as he was bred to 115, 112, and 114 mares during his first three years at stud-the results from those matings are now 5, 4, and 3 year-olds respectively. In days gone by 341 covers would be all a popular stallion would have received in 7 to 8 years. Despite the fact that a longer stretch of time may offer breeders some clues re-what may work better/best, I still feel that those 341 covers were more than enough to afford him sufficient opportunity to display his relative merit. Yes, it's true that the "hottest stallions" are the ultra-provens and the high profile first year ones, but Smarty, moreso than the vast majority of others, took full advantage of this (note his numbers for his first three years-and they were, as a group, high quality mares). If anything, Smarty today is one of the poster boys for the flaw/misguidedness in this practice. The error isn't that Smarty has been prematurely harshly judged, but rather that Smarty, and others like him, were afforded too much inital opportunity at the expense of many others.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Karen in Indiana — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:32:27 GMT

Steve, you are absolutely right about the lack of patience in crafting a stud career now. When I look at Smarty's pedigree, what I see is versatility. He can be bred for distance or sprints, turf or dirt, all depending on the mare's family. And with Smile, you are also getting the mud influence. It sounds like the industry in Uruguay is very appreciative of the opportunity of having him there. Isn't their emphasis more on breeding to run, not just to sell? Kind of reminds me of the Sunday Silence episode and you see how his offspring have fared in Japan!

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:14:18 GMT

You mean I'm a poet and didn't know it? Thanks for your gracious comment, and continued excellence in journalism. I also love your comment about Runflatout. I hope you're right.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Steve Haskin — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:44:56 GMT

Dr. D., your poetry makes me want to run barefoot through flowering meadows. I'm happy I was able to turn your weeds into blossoms of sheer delight. Thank you for turning my humble prose into such sublime literature.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Dutch — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:38:47 GMT

Smarty Jones was truly a people's horse and captured the imagination of many who normally didn't think twice about the sport. One of those people was a good friend of mine, who braved the elements and went to the Derby that year. He's not a big gambler and was set to bet $100 to win on Smarty, but he was in the flooded infield and never made it to the windows.

Then there's my brother-in-law, who lives close to Philly and was at my house to watch the Belmont. We were all set for the coronation that day, and he was screaming his lungs out with Smarty leading at the top of the stretch. Afterwards, he drowned his sorrows in way too many libations, and it turned into a night of great lamentations. He might still be recovering.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

summergames84 — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:07:51 GMT

LOL, Steve, I love your last comment!

It sounds like Smarty will be well-received in South America. The fact you have visited with the farm managers is comforting. Thanks for a wonderful article and follow-up.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Frank J. — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:58:47 GMT

Nice comment Steve!!

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Dr Drunkinbum — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:19:37 GMT

I was pulling weeds in the yard then came in and read this article, slowly savoring it with two cups of coffee. From pulling weeds to instant garden, savoring tidbits of vine ripened fruit and veggies and smelling the blooming flowers of this article despite the fact that Smarty's Belmont loss was probably my most devastating loss is almost 60 years of following sports. I loved Smarty and his entire team and story. The perfect time for the Triple Crown we had been waiting so long for, and victory at Belmont seemed to be there. We had done it, our Triple Crown with our beloved Smarty was really going to happen. "He's going to do it !!!! No, no, no !!! Go Smarty go !!! Go, go, go !!! OMG. No !!!!!!!!!!! Then a reaction of devastation. Steve, thanks for letting us know that he'll be OK in Uraguay. In reponse to your comment at 2:12: tht is why I am always so perplexed when they ruin horses running them in the Classics when they should be sprinting or miling or on the turf. They prove themselves years down the road, and the fact that they sprinted by no means precludes them from siring a Triple Crown winner. No statue-Ba Humbug.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

keenelandcat — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:04:21 GMT

Steve, thanks so much for the wonderful response to the "Dud at Stud" issue. Smarty's first runners came as the country's economy had drastically soured. Smarty never got the recognition he deserved. Prior to his Derby win, Smarty rattled off 4 stake victories at 3. No one has done that since him. His loss in the Belmont was one of the guttiest races I have seen a horse run & not win. The press & racing "elite" chastised his connections for retiring him. Roy Chapman waited his entire life to have a horse like Smarty. With his health rapidly failing, he was rewarded by reaching the pinnacle of our sport. What a shame they gave HOY to a horse that only ran 4 races that year & overlooked Smarty for what he accomplished. Thank you again for a wonderful article. Anyone can follow Smarty's offspring on his Facebook page.

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Karen in Texas — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:01:24 GMT

bellesforever and others----I'm for contacting Parx Racing and inquiring nicely, but directly, why the Smarty Jones statue has not been displayed; as well as when we can expect that to occur. I am linking their contact information if Steve is able to publish an Internet link.

www.parxracing.com/contact.php

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Steve Haskin — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:12:27 GMT

John Nerud, the last true genius in racing, always says a stallion doesn't prove himself until he's been at stud for seven years. There is no more patience among breeders, who have a quick-fix mentality. It's all about market value, not accomplishments, so they quickly stop supporting a stallion if his market value goes down. The hottest stallions each year are first-crop stallions, which is absurd. Doesn't anyone ponder the fact that the three Triple Crown race winners this year are by Leroidesanimaux, a grass horse who had no market value whatsoever and had never sired a top horse; Roman Ruler, who was never commercial or considered a successful sire; and Forestry, who hadnt sired a top horse since Discreet Cat? Anyone who says Smarty Jones is a dud after only 3 1/2 years obviously hasn't a clue.

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robinm — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:49:33 GMT

Wonderful, wonderful story Steve.

Smarty was my derby horse from the time I first saw him run at Phil. as a 2-yr old. He is absolutely the Triple Crown winner that got away! To the person who said he was a "dud at stud" I'll only say that the very best race horses simply can't replicate themselves and Smarty was definitely one of the best!

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

bellesforever — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:45:35 GMT

Beautiful...he is the one who brought me back into racing..we were on the rail both days at Philly park for his triumph and his farewell..he was Rocky..I think we should put some pressure on parx racing..it was Smarty that got them the big fancy complex that stands there today..never in my wildest musings would i have ever considered seeing the rock stars of racing in Philly..I saw Grace and Blind Luck..Proud Spell..never would have happened if not for Smarty..

Thank you for the walk down memory lane..oh yea..Smarty is not a dud at stud.

re: Smarty Jones Tribute

Jenna M. — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:35:31 GMT

Thank you so much for publishing these stories again. Great, great writing. What a kind tribute to a beautiful animal. I hope the travel is OK for him. Also, will he have have enough rest before the season begins in February '12? I hate to be a worry-wart.