A Crown Denied

re: A Crown Denied

Nancy — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:14:38 GMT

Hi Steve - A friend and I drove to Belmont on Stakes day. We were there at 7:30am waiting for the gates to open. It was the first time either one of us had been to a horse race let alone the Belmont Stakes. We had become avid Smarty Jones fans and just knew he was going to win. Alas, my hopes for him to be a Triple Crown winner began to fade as I watched him come out of the tunnel and proceed to warm up on his way to the gate. He was very ansy, nervous and in my opinion out of control. I watched as Elliott walked him back and forth, back and forth - he did not seem to be able to get him to calm down or come under control at all. I said to my friend Cris that Smarty's behavior was not good. When he lost, the disappointment trackside was something you could cut with a knife. It was unbelievable. I've always thought his loss was due to the extreme tension he exhibited prior to the race. So, it was great, as always, to read your excellent descriptions of the day and the take on how the race unfolded. When one is in the stands you don't get to see every detail and there is no reply of the race on the big screens so the fans can take it in again.

To me, the Belmont is a very difficult challenge for the horses for obvious reasons and more exciting than the Derby.

I think the most exciting and memorable Belmont Stakes was when Rags to Riches battled Curlin for the win. That was stupendous! And, I dearly love Curlin.

re: A Crown Denied

BELLWETHER — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:19:34 GMT

THE MONY I THOUGHT I BET ON SMARTY ($215 TO WIN) WAS ON SEEK GOLD ANOTHER ZITO HORSE THAT PAID 48.80... THE TICKET LADY GAVE ME THE RITE HORSE# WRONG RACE(ALL $2 WIN TICKETS)& I NEVER CHECKED THEM TILL I GOT BACK TO VA...I WON RITE @ $5000 BONE$...#12 WILL B THE GREATEST ONE OF ALL!!!...A STORY HOLLYWOOD COULDN'T DREAM UP...LONG LIVE THE KING!!!...

re: A Crown Denied

da3hoss — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:10:20 GMT

Smarty kind of beat himself that day by not relaxing in the race...might have been the crowd...might have been everything in the air being a little more keyed up than usual.

That's why we ahave to deeply admire every one of the 11 that endured and mastered everything that is the Triple Crown...

re: A Crown Denied

Erica — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:26:51 GMT

Thanks, Steve.

The Triple Crown is supposed to be difficult, that is what makes it so wonderful and frustrating at the same time. Each year we start looking at the potential candidates and, some years, we see that one colt with that something special that makes us think "this could be it." It draws us in and keeps us riveted, always knowing that we are but one step away from something special, but also one step away from another disappointment.

Yet, despite the fact that we know that each quest is more likely to end in disappointment than triumph, we still keep hoping and keep thinking "this one -- he (or she) is the one that will finally do it."

That's what makes the Triple Crown special. Hope renews every first Saturday in May.

re: A Crown Denied

Debbie O'Connor — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:52:07 GMT

Steve,

You know, you really are a great writer. Reading this article again brought tears to my eyes. These animals have so much heart, it just breaks mine. Reading about poor Smarty's trembling legs, he gave his all. I really grew to dislike Jerry Bailey because of his tactics in this race, but that's show business, I guess. I always hoped Smarty would be the most spectacular stud, but at present, that seems to be Birdstone's forte. The little horsie that could. Thanks again for reissuing these great articles.

re: A Crown Denied

Steve Haskin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:17:51 GMT

I agree with you, Erica. Many have deserved it, but this is an elite club and only the racing gods decide who gets in. It's supposed to be difficult.

I'm sure I'll get to Point Given.

re: A Crown Denied

Erica — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:47:10 GMT

Thanks for posting the great article, Steve. Smarty Jones was a great horse, but I have to disagree with all the remarks about him "deserving" the Triple Crown. Sometimes the best horse doesn't win and it can happen for a variety of reasons. But, the Triple Crown is a rarity precisely because it takes a combination of many factors all coming together at the same time to make it happen. It didn't happen for Smarty.

If we start declaring Triple Crown winners based on who "deserved" it then Smarty Jones wouldn't have been the 12th. There would have been Spectacular Bid first. I'd throw Point Given in there as well. Others could probably pick their favorites that "deserved" it but were denied by bad luck, bad rides, bad surfaces, or bad tactics by other jockeys. But, the beauty of the Triple Crown is that it is judged on only one thing -- who crossed the wire first in the Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont.

I look forward to reading more of these articles and sincerely hope that my personal favorite, Point Given, is featured at some point.

re: A Crown Denied

Robyn — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:05:48 GMT

Was part of this article reposted earlier this year? After the rise of the Birds? I just remember reading it and thinking "wow, I never even thought about it like that before." Like so many others I loved Smarty and was so heartbroken when he lost. And reading about how his legs were trembling with exhaustion after the race brings that heartbreak back. But reading about how Birdstone fought for respect before as well as after the race, and how his owner and trainer were apologizing for winning--well, as silly as it sounds, it helped me feel a little closure. It makes me glad he is off to a great start as a sire. Anyway Steve, thank you for writing such beautiful articles. Afleet Alex is one of my "heart" horses so I am looking forward to you reposting your recaps of his races!

re: A Crown Denied

Whatever — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:44:06 GMT

Yes, what a GREAT champion Birdstone was, wasn't he? This horse needed a serious rest after derby in order to beat Smarty Jones by a head; that's why they skipped the Preakness--to give him the rest and an edge against Smarty and thats why they need to change the requirements for trile crown races. If you don't run in the derby--you cannot run in the Preakness-and if you don't run in the Preakness--you cannot run in the Belmont Stakes. That will ensure the glorified sprinters must run in the Derby (Rachel A., Red Bullet, bernardini, etc..) and the sore losers of the derby MUST run in the Preakness to run in the Belmont(Birdstone, Empire Maker, etc..) The sport of kings has become the sport of jealousy and nobody wants to see anyone win a triple crown--not to mention the shieks of dubai have purchased everything that had triple cornw potential--There will never be another triple crown winner--trust me.

re: A Crown Denied

gw_bushwacker — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:32:23 GMT

Nice article Steve. For me that day will be remembered only as the day that Smarty Jones was denied a Triple Crown. I shed no tears for a former President that so negatively effected my life. Smarty Jones will always be one of my favorites, he was the best of an extremely talented group of 3 yr olds that year. Birdstone on the other hand has proven to be even more talented in the breeding shed than he was on the track.

re: A Crown Denied

Steve Haskin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:11:59 GMT

Afleet Alex's Preakness will be posted later this afternoon. Gotta keep 'em coming to fit in as many as possible.

re: A Crown Denied

OldDog — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:00:17 GMT

Thanks for this tremendous account, Steve. I'm going to share it with several of my friends who have only recently become enthusiasts.

re: A Crown Denied

Freetex — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:43:11 GMT

Again, a marvelously written story of winning and defeat.

It was hard to handle watching Smarty lose the Belmont. But in your words, I can so appreciate the little Bird and of course, Smarty.

Thank you.

re: A Crown Denied

Jodie — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:10:43 GMT

I personally don't think we will ever see another Triple Crown Winner, but what Horse Racing needs more than anything is another Triple Crown Winner. Absolutely nothing generates more interest or excitement in Horse Racing.

re: A Crown Denied

robinm — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:20:55 GMT

I was a huge fan of Smarty after watching him race late in his 2 yr old year (or maybe early at 3) - the first time I saw him I told my husband "Smarty Jones is my Derby horse". Anytime a horse I really love is running in a big race, I set up the VCR and walk away. The day of the Belmont, I went out to the barn just before the start, and a few minutes later my step-daughter came out to tell me Smarty had lost! I confess I thought she was just "jerking my chain" and didn't believe it. When I asked her "who won?" she said the couldn't remember the name but she thought it was horse #3. Then I really didn't believe it! Later I remember reading Steve Haskin's article in the Blood Horse and was absolutely devistated by the comment about how rubber-legged Smarty was after the race. Remember, he's a little horse too; not much taller than Birdstone and not built as stoutly. It really wasn't fair that he ran his heart out but still lost his chance at immortality. I take nothing away from Birdstone and he sure is proving to be a very good sire, but as a race horse, Smarty was superior. It was a sad set of circumstances that got him beat that day.

re: A Crown Denied

Paula Higgins — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:30:09 GMT

The day Smarty Jones lost I thought my heart would break for his owners. But I also realized he ran one hell of a race and was indeed the best horse there. He is one of my all time favorites. Birdstone is also a wonderful horse. It was sad that no one was happy for him because of Smarty's loss. But understandable. I am glad Birdstone is finally getting some recognition for his offspring.

re: A Crown Denied

Soldier Course — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:30:20 GMT

Pankov:

Sorry about my mistake re the jockey on Rock Hard Ten in the Belmont. Clearly it was Alex Solis. Thanks.

Lazmannick:

I appreciate your response. But ... you want me to watch the race again? I can't.

re: A Crown Denied

LAZMANNICK — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:30:15 GMT

Karen2

In this decade there were several horses that I felt like I was living and dying when they ran......Ghostzapper, Funncide, Curlin, Zenyatta and Smarty Jones (I'll probably feel the same way about Rachel next year, though not this year)......I was always so UP when they ran and felt really deflated when they lost (Curlin in the Derby, and Smarty and Funncide in the Belmont) because those were legacy races, the ones that if you win, given the situation, put you on a pedestal above everything else......The two defeats that got to me the most were Smarty's and Funnycide's. Seeing Smarty try so gallantly, questioning the tactics of the other jocks, then watching him slip away when he turned into the stretch, as Tevor would say.....looking like a winner.....and then the anguish when his stride shortened.....the will to win was still there but the physical ability was gone.....was enough to make anyone cry. He was as honest as they come. I really don't blame Elliott. I just think the moment was too big for him. He probably got the mount because he was the leading jock at Philly Park and when Smarty continued to win he managed to stay with him. I truely thought that Stewart would emerge from that point on, but it goes to show you how tough the sport is, especailly mentally. Still, to this day, whenever Elliott is on a horse I always give it a little longer look. LOL

re: A Crown Denied

Soldier Course — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:23:23 GMT

To all here who would have called us "bitter" about Smarty Jones, you are wrong. We are aggrieved. There is a difference.

Karen2 is right. We recognized greatness when we saw it. Smarty deserved to be our 12th Triple Crown winner.

re: A Crown Denied

anne — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:02:36 GMT

I was there at Belmont Park when Smarty lost and also wanted to cry. He is always in my heart and one of my favorites. However, Zito deserved to finally get a Belmont.

re: A Crown Denied

Rita — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:32:42 GMT

Steve just wonderful writing and stories. You put so much feeling in your articles it just like we are living it now. I watched it on t.v. but this seems even more exciting. I was sad Smarty lost but we'll never forget him for the true champion he is so much heart.Hope to see him one day. Thanks for the memories Steve.

re: A Crown Denied

Deborah — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:32:07 GMT

What a great article! I still cry when the defeat of Smarty Jones is recalled. Smarty is still my favorite living thoroughbred! His story with all the connections is a real American dream come true.

Deborah

re: A Crown Denied

TexSpect — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:02:48 GMT

I was not going to write anything else, but I could not get these points off of my mind. You have to be older than 65 years of age to witness the many personal heartbreaks of favorite horses that failed to win the races that you thought they should have. With jockey tactics and plenty of track buffonery, the best horse does not always get to the wire first. If the best always won, we would not have odds in the parimutuels. It makes for great arguements as to what could have been. The bottomline is, That is Horseracing!

re: A Crown Denied

TexSpect — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:40:08 GMT

Steve, truly another great and colorful description of the Rise of Birdstone in defeating Smarty Jones in the 136th running of the Belmont Stakes. Yet found in the story was relevance to the present. Quote "Smarty Jones was sent off the 3-10 favorite, with Rock Hard Ten at 6-1 and Purge at 9-1. Rock Hard Ten, as he did before the Preakness, acted up behind the gate, lashing out several times. He finally decided to go in after jockey Alex Solis dismounted and he was blindfolded." Sorry this procedure did not work for Quality Road in this years Breeders Cup. It just shows that what works for one horse does not necessarily work for another. Too bad we can't interview the horses to ask what works for them. The gate crew at Santa Anita is one of the best in the business and did not deserve the outrage of the incident concerning Quality Road. Yet, these are some of the built in factors for losing and non-starters in races..........Excuses.

re: A Crown Denied

Pankov — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:31:45 GMT

Why are we even bringing up Secretariat? I have found that it is best to not even mention Secretariat's name when discussing horse racing. He was in another stratosphere and no horse should be compared to him, and no race in which he ran should be compared to any other race EVER. I wish everyone else would do the same! What Secretariat did in the Belmont was other worldly so there is no point in comparing it to any other running of the Belmont. So I’m starting the petition now to keep Big Red’s name out of our conversations totally. It’s a disgrace to him to even be mentioned in the same breath as these mere mortals!