Smarty Jones
Winner of the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, Smarty Jones overcame unprecedented adversity to inspire fans everywhere.
After his first trainer was murdered and the thoroughbred racehorse fractured his skull, many wrote off Smarty Jones. But the horse’s talent and determination won out and he captured hearts—and two victories in the Triple Crown—in a triumphant racing career.
Smarty Jones Timeline
February 2001: Smarty Jones is born in Chester County, PA. Sire: Elusive Quality, Dam: I’ll Get Along
2002: Smarty jones goes to Florida for racing preparation.
2003: John Servis becomes Smarty Jones’ trainer.
November 2003: At Parx Racing, Smarty Jones wins his first race.
May 2004: Smarty Jones wins the Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown.
May 2004: Sports Illustrated features Smarty Jones on its cover.
May 2004: Smarty Jones wins the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
June 2004: Smarty Jones finishes second at the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown.
August 2004: Smarty Jones retires from racing.
Trainer John Servis
Born in West Virginia to a family involved in horse racing, John Servis took out his trainer’s license in 1984. He had his first winner that same year at Philadelphia Park, now Parx Racing. Best known for his work with Smarty Jones, Servis trained his 1,000th winner in 2007.
Jockey Stewart Elliot
Stewart Elliott was born in Canada to a jockey father and a riding instructor mother. At 16, he began riding professionally, principally at Philadelphia Park Racetrack (now Parx Casino and Racing). Riding Smarty Jones in 2004, Elliot was the first jockey in 25 years to win the Kentucky Derby in his inaugural appearance. He rode his 5,000th career winner in 2020, only the 36th jockey in North America to do so.
Someday Farm
Pat & Roy Chapman
Roy and Pat Chapman named their stable “Someday Farm” to celebrate their ambitious future plans for their horses. Located in Chester County, PA, their most successful horse was Smarty Jones. They also were responsible for the winning career of Smarty Jones’ dam, I’ll Get Along.
According to ESPN, the Chapmans met in one of Roy Chapman’s auto dealerships in the 1970s. They started their involvement with horse racing in the mid ‘80s.
Pat Chapman told author Patti Reed “Smarty Jones touched many lives and introduced young fans to racing. His celebrity helped pass the bill that legalized slot machines in PA and made PA racing what it is today. My husband and I were both in a long term recovery program for addiction, and Smarty helped us. I want people to know there is hope for recovery from addiction. I’ve been sober for fifty one years. I have a fabulous life.”
