Dual classic winner and champion Smarty Jones, who retired to Three Chimneys in 2004, will be relocated to Ghost Ridge Farms in York, Pennsylvania for the 2011 breeding season.
Roy and Pat Chapman, who owned Smarty Jones during his racing career, sold 50 percent interest in him as a stallion, which was syndicated by Three Chimneys Farm.
“Smarty Jones racing ability was the result of his remarkable good looks, balance and athleticism. Smarty Jones in recent weeks has produced several winners nationwide including Grade III winner Rogue Romance. We all anticipate a strong effort at the Breeders’ Cup,” said Robert Clay. “He has a huge base of support from breeders, owners and fans on the East Coast, especially in Pennsylvania, and his progeny have proven quite profitable in that region. The goal in relocating him was to bring him closer to his primary base of mare support, giving him the best chance for greater success at stud.”
In addition to Rogue Romance, winner of the Grade III Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland on October 9, Smarty Jones has 84 winners from 134 starters, including Backtalk, Keiai Gerbera, Kiddari, and Sarah Cataldo.
“When Roy and I made the decision to stand Smarty at Three Chimneys, it was because of their dedication to doing whatever is in the best interest if each horse and their attention to the fans and general public,” said Pat Chapman. “They have gone above and beyond in making Smarty accessible to the public and have been trusted advisors to my family and me throughout his career at stud. We’ve had many discussions over the past year about what is in Smarty’s best interest and I am thankful for the Clay’s support in my decision to bring Smarty Jones back to his home state of Pennsylvania to stand at Ghost Ridge.”
Smarty Jones won eight of nine lifetime starts. In addition to the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, the son of Elusive Quality won the Arkansas Derby, Rebel Stakes, Southwest Stakes and Count Fleet Stakes, and amassed lifetime earnings of $7,613,144. His only loss came in a second place effort to Birdstone in the Belmont Stakes by a length.
“Smarty Jones is one of the most recognizable names in the horse the industry,” said Ghost Ridge Farms General Manager Carl McEntee. “His physical is near-impeccable, his on-track accomplishments speak for themselves, and he has the heart of a Champion. We are honored and privileged to offer the breeders of the Mid-Atlantic region a stallion of this caliber.”
Retired from racing in 2004 due to bone bruising in all four cannon bones, Smarty Jones originally stood for a stud fee of $100,000 in 2005. His 2010 fee was $10,000. While a 2011 stud fee has not been announced, Ghost Ridge Farm is currently accepting nominations.
Three Chimneys invites fans to come to the farm to say goodbye to Smarty Jones at an open house event on Wednesday, November 3 from 10:00-1:00 p.m.
Alicia Wincze Hughes is the turf writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. She started riding at age 8 and was a four-year member of the Pace University equestrian team.
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