FIRST TURN
AUGUST 5
by James Scully
Negative sentiment
He’s no longer a hero for all Thoroughbred racing fans. He
could have been back in training before the end of the year and
better than ever at four. The decision by the owners to take the
money and retire SMARTY JONES breaks the heart of at least one
fan of the sport.
The chestnut was just getting started. He looked like one of
the best to come along in a long time. Instead, everything came
to an end too soon.
Smarty Jones didn’t made his graded stakes debut until the
April 10 Arkansas Derby (G2). He owns only three graded wins. He
still had a lot to prove.
Imagine Smarty Jones winning the Santa Anita H. (G1), Oaklawn
H. (G2), Stephen Foster H. (G1), Whitney H. (G1), Jockey Club
Gold Cup (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) next year. He owned
that potential. His connections won’t allow him the chance to
possibly re-write the history books, to go down as one of the
greatest of all time.
It’s a business decision. The owners aren’t willing to admit
it, but that’s what it came down to. Great athletes love to
compete and Smarty Jones should have been given the opportunity
to do the same. Seattle Slew was a better horse at four. So were
Affirmed and Spectacular Bid.
Smarty Jones was denied the chance to establish his complete
legacy on the track. He was lightly raced at two and began to
blossom over the spring. He performed at the highest level for
about three months. Now it’s over.
Once again, the business side of the industry completely
trumps the Thoroughbred racing fan.
“It hurts me because he might have been the best of all
time,” trainer John Servis said. “He might have been
better than any of them, and unfortunately people aren’t going to
be able to see that.”
He’s not the only one sad to see his racing career cut short.