Equistar Training and Breeding Center in Annville, PA will host a public event celebrating the induction of Pennsylvania's own Smarty Jones into the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame. The free event, which will feature a barbecue and opportunities for attendees to take their photo with Smarty Jones and other stallions, will be held on Saturday, August 9 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Equistar Training and Breeding Center at 30 Crooked Road in Annville, PA.
The celebration is being hosted by Rodney and Sharon Eckenrode, the owners of Equistar where Smarty Jones is currently standing at stud for breeding. Pat Chapman, Smarty's owner during his historic race for the Triple Crown in 2004, will also be in attendance. Smarty Jones was inducted into the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, NY last week on Friday, August 1.
What: A public event celebrating Smarty Jones' induction into the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Who: Smarty Jones, breeders Rodney & Sharon Eckenrode, owner Pat Chapman & fans of Smarty Jones
When: Saturday, August 9 from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Equistar Training and Breeding Center, 30 Crooked Road, Annville, PA 17003
About Smarty Jones
Smarty Jones, a Pennsylvania-bred horse, captured the hearts of sports and horse fans across the world during his historic race for the Triple Crown in 2004. Smarty was the only inductee from the 2025 class to be selected from the contemporary racing category and this was his first year as a finalist on the ballot. His selection makes him only the fourth Pennsylvania-bred thoroughbred to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Smarty Jones was born on February 28, 2001 at Roy and Pat Chapman's 100-acre Someday Farm in Chester County, PA. A chestnut colt, Smarty began his racing career at Philadelphia Park (now Parx Racing) in November 2003 and was trained by Parx-based trainer John Servis. He was 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.
