Smarty Jones has Catholic connections

Published: 2004-06-07

PHILADELPHIA (CNS) -- Just as it did for the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, a Sacred Heart medal adorned Smarty Jones as he raced for the Triple Crown June 5 in the Belmont Stakes. The horse, born on Ash Wednesday in 2001, failed in his bid to become racing's 12th Triple Crown champion and the first since 1978; Birdstone beat him by a length. But by most accounts Smarty Jones is still a remarkable horse. Smarty first wore the medal -- under his saddle -- when he captured the Kentucky Derby May 1. He was wearing it when he won the Preakness by a record 11 and a half lengths May 15 in Baltimore. The medal was given to the 3-year-old chestnut horse's trainer, John Servis of St. Ephrem Parish in the Philadelphia suburb of Bensalem, by Pat Chapman, who co-owns Smarty Jones with her husband, Roy. The Chapmans are also Catholic.

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