"Smarty" Touches Kids All Over America

[Penndems]

http://www.ntra.com/triple_crown.asp?type=news&id=11613
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Steve Haskin | Bloodhorse.com

Smarty Jones, not only has captured the imagination of the public, but the hearts of children all over America. Over the past several weeks, letters and drawings have come pouring in to trainer John Servis, who said he plans on answering all of them. Following is a sample of those letters.

"Dear Smarty Jones, My name is Beach Cutler. I'm 10 year's old and I'm a fifth grader. I live on Captiva Island in Florida. I watched you win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, and I think you will win the Belmont, too. I'm so excited! You have inspired me to run like a racehorse when I'm walking with my physical therapist, Trent, and when I walk in the pool with my mom. My nurse times me when I'm pretending to race. I even whinny like a horse.

You've lifted my spirits and even though I breathe through a ventilator, I feel as lucky as you. The next time you get your horseshoes changed, perhaps you could save one for me. That would be GREAT! And please let your owner, Mr. Chapman, know that we are also cheering for him to be in the best of health. I hope that this letter gets to you, and that you know how much your incredible horse spirit has done for everyone. Happy racing. Beach."

"Dear Smarty Jones. Good luck at the Preakness. Smarty Jones, is it hard to see with a bumped eye? How are you? How munch races did you win?"

"We love you Smarty Jones. Make a movie like Seabiscuit."

"I am your number 1 fan. You ran as fast as a dog. My little sister likes you too."

"Congratulations, you ran fast on your last horse race. I can't believe how rich you are for a horse."

"Eat healthy horse food so you can stay strong."

"You are the best of them all. I know you can win. You just have to keep it up. You are our hero. I hope you win the Triple Crown."

"I like you. Were you scared when they started the race? I bet you were."

"Dear Smarty Jones, How are you doing? Did you like winning the Kentucky Derby race? Well, I got to go now. "Bye!"

[mot78]

1. I'm glad he's inspiring kids

If he wins tomorrow, he could become the next Seabiscuit.

[jpgray]

2. And if he loses, off to the glue factory

:D

[mot78]

3. Introducing...Elmer....I mean "Smarty's Glue"

[happynewyear]

5. no way

They put him out to stud and the owners will make more than they ever made racing him. Believe me on that one.

signed,

a long time horse racing fan .... :D

[happynewyear]

4. I hope Smarty Jones wins tomorrow

We need some good news here in the USA!!!!

Present odds: 1:6 ... lol ... oh well, box with a longshot and maybe you'll make a few $! :D

[MikeG]

6. I just asked George Tenet, he said Smarty Jones is a slam dunk.

[Penndems]

8. LOL!

Let's hope George is RIGHT on this one!

[Penndems]

7. The look of a winner

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"The Philadelphia Story" continues . . . :)

Go Smarty!

www.teamsmartyjones.com

[Pithlet]

9. Aw

Those letters are great. That first one has me :cry:

My boys and I will be watching tomorrow. Go, Smarty!

[flamingyouth]

10. Go Smarty!

I'm rooting for him!:hi:

[Penndems]

11. "Gov. Rendell Proclaims June 5th 'Smarty Jones Day' In Pennsylvania"

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From the Governor's Newsletter (just got this in my inbox):

BENSALEM: Governor Edward G. Rendell today issued a proclamation marking Saturday, June 5 as Smarty Jones Day in Pennsylvania for the third time in honor of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner who will compete for the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes on Saturday. Only the second Pennsylvania-bred winner of the coveted Derby roses, undefeated Smarty Jones runs in the third leg of the Triple Crown at 6:38 p.m. Saturday at Belmont Park, Elmont, NY.

“Pennsylvania is anxious to bring home a Triple Crown winner in Smarty Jones,” Governor Rendell said. “The national attention that Smarty Jones has received during the past several weeks has been a tremendous testament to his strength and stamina, and a well-managed team. ”

Roy and Pat Chapman of New Hope, Bucks County, own Smarty Jones, who was raised in Chester County and began his racing career under the training of John Servis at Philadelphia Park, Bucks County. Philadelphia jockey Stewart Elliot, who rode Smarty Jones in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, will ride the champion thoroughbred in Saturday’s race.

Governor Rendell also announced his plans to wager his Kentucky Derby and Preakness winnings of $172 at Belmont Park.

“If Smarty Jones becomes the first Triple Crown winner since 1978, I will be donating my winnings to charity,” Governor Rendell said.

Pennsylvania is home to four operating racetracks: Penn National Racecourse, Grantville, Dauphin County; Philadelphia Park, Bensalem, Bucks County; Pocono Downs, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County; and The Meadows, Meadow Lands, Washington County.

The racing industry contributes $10 billion annually to the Commonwealth. For more information on Pennsylvania’s equine industry, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us.
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Editor’s Note: The Governor’s proclamation follows:

SMARTY JONES DAY
June 5, 2004

WHEREAS, Smarty Jones was born on February 28, 2001, on Roy and Pat Chapman’s Someday Farm in Chester County; and

WHEREAS, Smarty Jones is the offspring of Elusive Quality and I’ll Get Along and named for Pat Chapman’s grandmother Mildred ‘Smarty’ Jones; and

WHEREAS, this special horse made an amazing comeback after a tragic injury in the starting gate just 12 days into his training at Philadelphia Park; and

WHEREAS, Smarty Jones continues his undefeated career with a thrilling come-from-behind win in the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2004, and a record breaking win by 11 1/2 lengths in the Preakness at Pimlico on May 15, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Smarty Jones has captured the hearts of his hometown, his home state, and in fact, the entire nation and is the first unbeaten Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner since Seattle Slew in 1977; and

WHEREAS, Smarty Jones’s incredible run has made millions of Pennsylvania’s citizens more aware of the need to save the equine industry in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Smarty Jones will carry the hopes of millions of Pennsylvanians on his back as he races this Saturday at the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York in the final leg of the Triple Crown.

THEREFORE, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania join with owners Pat and Roy Chapman, trainer John Servis, jockey Stewart Elliott, and the entire Pennsylvania equine industry in recognizing June5, 2004 as Smarty Jones Day in the Commonwealth and encourage all of our citizens to cheer for this courageous and feisty little chestnut horse with the huge heart as he circles the track at the Belmont Stakes.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this second day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand and four, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

EDWARD G. RENDELL
GOVERNOR