Smarty Says Goodbye

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

nephilly — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 22:16:03 GMT

I was at Philly Park from the day that Smarty won his first race. You have captured all of the sentiments so well Steve. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Philly Park is a special place. A place where people are family. The city as a whole realized this during Smarty's campaign. Your words are truly inspiring.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Steve Haskin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:19:33 GMT

Doctorfager, I understand how you feel, but let me say that the Belmont recap, which will appear this evening as the finale, has a lot of fresh material added, as does the Derby story, and I feel this story is as much a tribute to Smarty and what he meant to people, and what Smarty Mania was all about, as it is a recap of the Belmont. In many ways it shows the greatness of Smarty as much as any of the other stories.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Sue MacGray — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:04:55 GMT

I posted on another Smarty story Steve, that I was among the thousands (millions :) who was shocked and heartbroken when Birdstone beat Smarty in the Belmont. Now, after reading all of your stories and the thoughts of everyone else, I hope that the next time Smarty comes home, someone finds a way to keep him here and in comfort. Such a gallant, wonderful race horse deserves nothing less. This is when the fact that "racing is a business" can be unsettling and disturbing. I wish we could somehow ensure that they are ALL treated with kindness and respect when their racing days are over.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Barbaro8cee — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:53:20 GMT

I've been a racing fan since I was a young girl. I did a book report in the 4th Grade on Man O' War. I try to keep up with what goes on by watching the races, going to our local track, reading Blood-Horse Magazine, The Daily Racing Form, etc. I'm no expert by any means, but I watched Smarty run all three races & he was by FAR the BEST horse out there & should have won the Triple Crown! He surely did not come up short in the Belmont by any fault on his part. @ Dr Drunkinbum - I agree with you 110%!!! This information about his injury/injuries(?) that may go back to when he was a 2 yr. old doesn't surprise me @ all! Smarty, you should go down in history with all the other great horses & thanks for ride!! Hats off to Dr. Larry Bramlage for starting the controversy so Smarty could retire without having a tragedy on the track!!! I know a lot of people are sad to see him go, but I personally would rather see him retire & be able to live out his life instead having his life cut tooooo short like Barbaro, Eight Belles, & many others I could mention or may not even know about. I'm glad the racing industry is looking into changing a lot of things regarding the well-being of the horse; especially the on-going debate about race day drugs. I love to watch them race, but not if there is some underlying injury. My motto is THE HORSE COMES FIRST!

FANTASTIC article Mr. Haskin!! I always enjoy reading anything you write! As for you Smarty, you are one of the greatest & hope you enjoy just being a horse!

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

doctorfager — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 03:12:17 GMT

Just want to say that I wont be reading the article on Smarty's Belmont defeat to Birdstone. I dont want to relive that day again. When Birdstone went by Smarty to win by a length, it was the worst day of my life. I can't describe in words how devestated, and depressed I was. Why didn't they just let him win it; afterall, he was the best horse in the race. Smarty Jones will always be remembered as a great thoroughbred champion.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Abigail Anderson — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 22:53:26 GMT

Steve: I just have loved this "series" on Smarty and I agree with the others who said they thought it important to do retrospectives of horses we loved every so often. I have to say that I just respected this little horse SO much....it was as though he made those abstractions of courage & heart tangible for me. I also loved the photos of him pulling his exercise rider around the track. I'd look at these and think "he's obviously quite a character," just as was his ancestor, Northern Dancer. In fact, he reminded me of the Dancer in lots of ways, although Smarty was clearly a much nicer fellow to be around! I also think that he was one of the recent thoroughbred champions to lure me back to racing and the sheer excitement of the track.

I've got to add that I remain annoyed that Smarty was given such short shrift as a stallion in Kentucky. I assume it was his apparent inability to make owners a quick buck Storm Cat style that did it.

But I thank you for helping me relive Smarty's racing campaign, Steve. You have such a beautiful writing style -- it's special the way you can put a reader right into the story!

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Steve Haskin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:19:13 GMT

It's great to see everyone sharing their Smarty remembrances. Your comments are much appreciated.

Candysrider, I was going by what Robert Clay told me a few years ago. Perhaps they tried riding him for a while and decided not to take a chance on making it worse. I know that he said the injury was much more severe than people thought. That's all I know about it.

Pat C, have a great visit tomorrow.

Howie, great post and thanks for sharing.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Cris — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:57:50 GMT

Smarty's departure was depressing. I remember he was completely booked his first and second year in just a few months. I am a little conflicted as to how I feel about his move to SA. He is not a big horse and a year round stallion season for him could not be in his best interest. I wish him well and hope for the best for him and not be surprised if it turns out differently.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

HowieinJersey — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:39:39 GMT

Thanks so much Steve. As always, your writing is great, but this series is especially heartfelt for me. Smarty brought me back to racing. I was so devastated watching Ruffian's breakdown I didn't watch another race for more than 10 years. I started watching casually again in mid the 90's. In early '04, I read this incredible story of not just Smarty, but his connections. From the gate accident and eye injury to the murder of the original trainer and his wife, to selling all the horses except for Smarty and one other. How could you not root for them? I rooted for him through all the preps till the end. The Belmont was torture but I took solace in seeing the heart he showed that day. I was so hooked I have been to 3C to see him, and follow everyone of his foals. I travel to watch many of them race and have quite a collection of photos of Smarty and his kids.

For those worried he has gone to Uruguay for good, don't. He will be back in December. For those blaming Stewie for the Belmont, don't. If you can bear to watch the race again, look at the 1st 3 furlongs. Smarty was a monster that day, full of run, and Stew fought him as hard as he could to rate him. He had to let him go. You can't fight the horse the entire race. For those saying he's a dud at stud, he's had some good horses and some bad luck. Go Smarty Go nearly set a track record at Belmont for 7F on turf in his 1st and only race. Be Smart was a very good filly and is currently in foal. Rogue Romance may have had a chance this year, and still could be a very good horse. He's supposed to be back in serious training by the end of July.

Thanks again Steve for all your great work, and the behind the scenes things I wouldn't have known about. It's great to see that so many were and still are affected by the great Smarty Jones.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Pat C. — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:35:54 GMT

Steve,

Thanks again for all the wonderful words about Smarty. No one hurts more than I do about his early retirement and the fact that we will never know just how good he really was. Your articles go a long way toward taking some of the sting out. I'm going to see him tomorrow and have a quiet visit with him. I shall thank him, one more time, for all that he did for so many of us.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Slew — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:28:19 GMT

My thoughts and prayers are with the displaced workers and animals at Churchill Downs. The terror of a tornado is unlike any other weather phenomenon....so quick and sooo devastating.

Steve, your articles are always priceless, your words..poetry. I do think, however, that Smarty's shuttle is of little benefit to him. He'll spend Winter in Uruguay, then Winter in Penna. You would think, at some time, the guy deserves a better break than that. Pa. winters are bad enough by themselves, but the summer can be delightful...and he won't be here for that good part of the year.

(It is said there are 4 seasons in Pennsylvania...almost Winter, Winter, still Winter and construction.)

Linda: Apparently that tornado had just developed over the backside, and had little time for a preamble.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Delrene — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:02:06 GMT

Dear Steve - I'm looking at my Smarty Jones sun visor as I write this little note to you and to all the lovely comments written by others. Smarty is a great horse that is being so eloquently spoken about in your articles. I too watched in shock when Edgar and Birdstone caught him at the wire. I was also in shock to hear booing in the stands and the lovely owner of Birdstone and trainer basically apologized for beating the Triple Crown hopeful. Edgar Prado I remember kept saying he was sorry. But Birdstone was the best runner "ON THAT DAY". Smarty was really not defeated. It only proved his unbelievable heart and the stamina required for a grueling three big races in the series. Birdstone and Smarty have made some beautiful babies too, so their bloodlines continue to capture the heart and excitement of thoroughbred racing. I will re watch the Belmont video to re examine what you said about the jockeys making the effort to beat Smarty and Stewart. Nothing to be ashamed of, a great Triple Crown season. I have looked forward to this tribute and re capitulation of Smarty's career. The best of health in South America and we look forward to his return. Take care of him. We love him so much.

Glad everyone 2 & 4 footed ok in Ky. Mother Nature can sure be a beast.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Karen in Texas — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:19:13 GMT

For everyone with concerns about Smarty's travelling/shuttling plans---he may have an extra guardian on board. Esther Marr did a BH story last fall that told of his having a St. Christopher's medal on his halter when he arrived at Three Chimneys. The stallion manager there made sure he had the medal with him when he left to return to Pennsylvania. Hopefully his symbol of the patron saint of travellers will go with him as he continues his journey to the south.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Candysrider — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:26:43 GMT

I'm a little confused. I'm sure that I remember a picture of Smarty being exercised under tack at the farm that appeared in an issue of Bloodhorse. It was at dawn and was a silhouette of him and his rider. But, you say that there was severe damage. Am I wrong?

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Linda in Texas — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:50:46 GMT

This if off subject kind of, but

Steve,for the latest news on the damage done to Churchill Downs i went to Louisville Courier.com.

Information on the status of the 9 barns that were hit, the 1,500 workers who were domiciled there to care for the 150 to 200 horses that were present is a miracle no one lost a life. To me it was interesting to note that in the 137 years of Churchill Downs, this was the first time it had ever been on the radar screen.

In fact, the tornado warning had expired by the time it hit Churchill Downs. That is disturbing as an ex weather bureau employee. Warnings should have been ongoing, maybe they were?

I had no idea 1,500 people lived on the grounds of Churchill Downs.

Perhaps it was Mrs. Whitney in her acceptance speech who made mention of the wonderful people who live on the tracks and care for the horses.

Special thoughts and thanks go out to all of them.

And hay stored in the lofts saved the roofs from caving in on the people and the horses. I will now look at a bale of hay in a whole different way and with a lot more respect.

Smarty Jones i hope won't mind if i digressed on his special blog.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Steve Haskin — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:38:32 GMT

Yes, our best wishes to everyone at Churchill Downs. Amazing that no people or horses were injured.

Dawn in Minn., I wasn't planning on it because they were reprinted in 2009, but I've decided to reprint the Derby and Belmont recaps again to complete the entire story. I am also going to include some smaller stories, so you've got another two or three days left.

Bellesforever, that is funny about Stewart Elliott.

Thanks, Canuck, and everyone else. I appreciate the kind words.

Tommy D., if you're going to blame anyone, blame the three jockeys who sacrificed their horses. Jerry Bailey was the most dependable and smartest rider I've ever seen. But I still can't understand his actions on Eddington, who might have won the race had he been ridden like Birdstone. But Bailey was intent on going after Smarty, even though he was already being pushed by Purge and Rock Hard Ten. It was the pressure he put on him that forced Elliott to get Smarty out of there and put him on the lead to help him try to relax. They ran that quarter in an unreal :22 4/5, which killed off the three other horses, but Smarty kept going. For those who cant watch the Belmont, you might get a new appreciation of Smarty's greatness reading the Belmont recap.

Bowl of Flowers, Smarty is shuttling there, meaning he'll go there each year for 6 months and then return to Pa. Remember, their winter is our summer, so their breeding season is actually about to begin, while ours is just about over.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Fran Loszynski — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:14:11 GMT

An everyday story of these great champions is never overkill Steve. I have to tell you though I have to buy "another" scrapbook soon! This one is getting full of your lovely stories. One note, God Bless everyone at Churchill Downs after the tornado and hope no horse or human was injured. May the twin spires fly high! Seeing Afleet Alex next week in Lexington, please God keep the tornadoes away !!!! Will hug Alex for you Steve. I hope the news reports from Churchill tomorrow are favorable please God keep our Kentucky Derby forevermore. Anyone know what horses may have been there?

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Lori M. — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:12:45 GMT

Yes, this was a tear-jerker, Steve. I have never watched a single replay of Smarty's Belmont. Durkin's last words of the race will ring in my ear every now and then, as my husband can mimic it perfectly: Birdstone wins the Bel-Mont Stakes. Smarty was my first racehorse. I didn't know anything about racing til the Seabiscuit movie and Smarty Jones arriving right on its heels. I remember my mom saying how dumbfounded she was that her daughter, never a sports or news fan, would run to the post box with a quarter every day to get the sports page to read word of Smarty. I can recall talking w strangers on the street, lol - anyone who would listen (oh my unfortunate colleagues at work:) - about the phenom Thoroughbred. And so, imagine my glorious feeling inside when my first racehorse (aside from Secretariat who I did know from when in college) won the KY Derby! Omg that rainy day! My nieces then covered the TV surround w drawings of him, and the family waited for the Preakness. My love of Smarty was so infectious- everyone got on the wagon:) When he broke the record for winning lengths then 2 weeks later I was mesmerized - who wasn't? !! Again, I just could not believe that the horse who brought me racing was about to win the Triple Crown! When he was on the lead in the Belmont, it was so exciting, beyond wildest expectations - and then the Bird comes up at the wire - and like the rest of the racing nation, and the 38 other countries that followed Smarty and wrote him 5000 letters a week - I fell into a slump from which I did not emerge for months. And then he retired and it hurt even more. And the topper was when I heard Randy Moss one day on TV, discussing HoY, that of course Ghostzapper would win by a landslide - his exact words - I never did and never will forgive him for the smirk with which he flippantly said that. What Smarty did for people, for racing is immeasurable. There is a book written by a guy named Valentine I think - Smarty narrates - this little paperback brought back to me just how many records he set, the first horse to do this...and that...and this...so many things he did..even stopping the cavalcade of the US President can you believe it? I've been hooked on racing ever since - you know how it gets in your blood:)

An important anecdote for horse lovers everywhere- When in line at Three Chimneys to actually meet Smarty for the first time, of course I was bustin' out of my skin, and in talking with the ladies next to me I met the future founder of the rescue group I have belonged to since, Friends of Twilight, under the umbrella of Mid Atlantic Horse Rescue in MD, and to date the group has saved well over 100 from the Dark Side of racing. Smarty saved those horses. It was because of him that we bonded together and now have members in 18 states..

Smarty made PA racing what it is today, brought children and adults together to cheer and smile and love him, and let's all write to Parx and push them - to commemorate this brave horse with a bronze there of his own.

I could talk about Smarty for the rest of the day, there is so much to say. But for now I thank Steve Haskin, first for being the super swell fan of Smarty's that he was and is, and for writing this tribute blog to the horse that will forever be in my heart as the start of a lifetime of love of the Thoroughbred racehorse - the brilliance, the towering grace, the indescribable beauty - thank you!

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Ida Lee — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:58:29 GMT

Well I'm crying....

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

bowlofflowers — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:55:13 GMT

I thought that Smarty was only going abroad for a season or two. He is leaving the US forever? Bummer that I never got to visit him in retirement. Great article, as usual, Steve. Long may Smarty Live and prosper. And come back to the US when he is pensioned. I will still remember him whenever that time comes.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Tommy D — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:54:00 GMT

I have always thought that blaming Stuart Elliot for Smarty's Belmont loss was inappropriate. He was on a horse that was undefeated and so dominant amongst his peers, having won both the Derby and Preakness with ease. There was no way to know what his limitations were since they apparently hadn't gotten to the bottom of him. Maybe Stuart thought Smarty was the next Secretartiat who got in a speed duel with Sham and prevailed. Even if he rated, the outcome may have been the same. Smarty was a great horse and gave us all a lot of wonderful memories. I was luck enough to visit him a couple of times at TC during Derby week.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Linda in Texas — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:49:09 GMT

Once again Steve, your writing is sheer perfection sprinkled with

heart, compassion and appreciation for Smarty Jone's quest to be a Triple Crown Winner.

His beautiful chestnut coloring is so deep and the up close head shot posted with your article was handsome with not a single blemish showing from his gate accident early in his life. A tribute no doubt to Dr. Hogan and the team who 'repaired' him.

Thanks again Steve,just know we are all out here reading your articles. Please realize that some of us are a little shy to post comments but then again some of us aren't. :)

Sincerely hope no man nor horse was lost or injured in The Churchill Down's Tornado.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Dawn in MN — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 10:02:15 GMT

Mr. Haskin, I am enjoying these chapters about Smarty Jones. I was waiting for the last one to send a coomment. When you said you'd be publishing one-a-day for a week, did you mean a five-day work week (thank you unions), or a seven day week?

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

A Horsey Canuck — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:05:16 GMT

Steve, you have outdone yourself this time..if that is possible. You "made" me watch the 2004 Preakness again. Two written comments you made stand out in my mind, "The appreciative fans....to take one final whiff of the rose, knowing it would never fully blossom." and "Whatever greatness he might have achieved will remain behind, like an unfinished manuscript filled with beautiful prose, never to be read." Jerry Izenberg once said of Secretariat, "I'm sorry, this horse was an athlete." Well, I'm sorry, but this guy, is a writer. Thanks again Steve, for bringing Smarty Jones out of the printed word into my world so far away. I'm just glad that I was able to stand just 10 feet away from Smarty, back in 2006. And yes, we are ALL out there, waiting for your next story.

re: Smarty Says Goodbye

Bellwether — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:03:20 GMT

"SMARTY" GAVE US ONE HELL OF A PARTY!!!...JUST BEAUTIFUL STEVE...ty...