Smarty Jones, the Pennsylvania-bred horse that captured the hearts of sports and horse fans across the world during his historic race for the Triple Crown in 2004, is the subject of a new documentary, Ride of a Lifetime: The Smarty Jones Story. Following Smarty Jones being named a finalist for the National Museum of Racing's 2025 Hall of Fame last week, the documentary can be streamed for free exclusively on a newly launched website, www.thesmartyjonesstory.com. This is the first time that Smarty Jones has appeared as a finalist on the Hall of Fame ballot.
The 37-minute documentary was filmed last year to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Smarty Jones' Triple Crown run. The uplifting story recounts how Smarty Jones overcame a potentially career-ending injury and features new interviews with his owner Pat Chapman, trainer John Servis, jockey Stewart Elliott, and many other key figures. The chestnut stallion was born on February 28, 2001 at Roy and Pat Chapman's 100-acre Someday Farm in Chester County, PA. He began his racing career at Philadelphia Park (now Parx Racing) in November 2003, winning his first two races. Now, as Smarty celebrates his 24th birthday and nomination to the Hall of Fame, fans can relive his career and historic run for the Triple Crown in 2004.
"Smarty brought so much joy to me, my husband, and fans around the world," said owner Pat Chapman. "Smarty gave hope, courage, and inspiration to multitudes after his recovery from a near-career-ending injury. He was the quintessential underdog, overcoming incredible odds and capturing the hearts of people around the world. I love the way that this documentary captures his story, spirit, and how much he inspired and meant to so many people. He truly took us on the 'Ride of a Lifetime.' I am also incredible grateful to the Hall of Fame Committee for naming Smarty as a finalist. It is truly an honor and I am thrilled that he will be on the ballot."
"Smarty is a special horse and I am amazed at the connection he had with people from all walks of life and across the globe," said trainer John Servis. "This documentary does a great job of capturing that sense of excitement we all experienced in 2004 and allows us to re-live that amazing ride. I am tickled to death that he's on the ballot and I'm thankful to the Hall of Fame for nominating him."
The documentary was funded by the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA), an organization made up of horsemen and trainers at Smarty's home track, Parx Racing in Bensalem, PA. The PTHA also served as an executive producer of the film, which was produced by The WorkShop Content Studios, an award-winning documentary production company, and FreshFly. Discussions are ongoing for the documentary to be made available on a major streaming service. The newly launched website was funded by the PTHA, Parx Racing, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association, and the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association.
"Being a part of getting this documentary in motion has been one of the biggest honors of my career," said Jeff Matty, Executive Director of the PTHA. "I was 13 years old during Smarty's amazing Triple Crown run and it is amazing how many new fans his story brought to the sport of racing. Now, 20 years later, I am honored to be a part of a project that will memorialize forever his accomplishments and how much he meant to so many people. I am grateful to the PTHA board and members for supporting this project, as well as Pat Chapman, John Servis, and others who took us on the ride with Smarty."
"In 2004 Smarty Jones came from out of nowhere to capture the hearts and souls of an entire nation," said Bob Hutt, President of the PTHA. "It was your classic underdog, a real life "Rocky Balboa" story come true. Americans everywhere fell in love with Smarty Jones. He made thoroughbred racing better as tens of millions of new racing fans were introduced to our great sport. We made this documentary so that now and forever the entire world will remember the story of Smarty Jones."
A chestnut colt bred in Pennsylvania, Smarty was trained by John Servis and ridden exclusively by jockey Stewart Elliott. After winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes by a record 11 1/2 lengths, Smarty was undefeated with eight first place finishes in eight races heading into the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown. After placing second in the Belmont, a length behind Birdstone, Smarty retired with a record of 8-1-0 in 9 starts. The 24-year-old Smarty continues to live in Pennsylvania, where he stands at stud at Equistar Training and Breeding Center in Annville, PA.
Smarty was on Time magazine's list of most influential "people" in 2004 and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and numerous other publications. His 11 1/2-length Preakness victory remains the largest in the race's 149-year history.
Smarty is one of just eight racehorses who will appear as a finalist on the National Museum of Racing's 2025 Hall of Fame ballot. Finalists must receive a minimum of nine votes from the Hall's 14-member nominating committee. To earn induction into the Hall of Fame, finalists must receive a majority of votes from the voting panel. Results will be announced on Thursday, April 24 and the induction ceremony will be held on Friday, August 1 at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, NY.
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