The Cliff's Edge was fifth of 18 and never prominent, 12½ lengths behind. Imperialism, trained by 21-year-old Kristin Mulhall, closed for third, 3¼ lengths behind Lion Heart and two in front of 41-1 shot Limehouse. Perhaps we can have an Affirmed-Alydar rivalry." I hope, if everything goes well, in two weeks we can get revenge. "We are very happy," said Biancone, who was trying for the first Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe-Kentucky Derby training double. Transplanted Frenchman Patrick Biancone felt vindicated in defeat. We just got beat by a better horse today." I looked at the big telescreen and saw Smarty Jones coming, and I thought I could try to steal away. Going into the far turn, I was still sitting pretty comfortable. "I had a great trip and every opportunity to beat him, but Smarty Jones just had another gear today. Mike Smith, Lion Heart's rider, had no excuses and no regrets. Only Smarty Jones and Lion Heart did any running, and turning into the stretch it was clear that Smarty Jones was going to shoot past the speedy California shipper, and nothing was happening behind them. Smarty Jones and Elliott did their best to keep Chapman's angst to a minimum. Roy Chapman suffers from emphysema, so there was concern about the stress of traveling from his Florida home to watch his equine child in perhaps the most emotional sporting event in the world. "I can't believe how good it feels," he said after pulling up Smarty Jones. Neither could Elliott, a 39-year-old native of Toronto who has been Pennsylvania's leading rider the past three years. And you figured that last year's improbable saga of Funny Cide couldn't be topped.Īfter Smarty Jones crossed the finish line 2¾ lengths ahead of Lion Heart, Servis whooped and hugged the stunned and overjoyed Chapman, who said, "I don't believe it."
Throw in the $854,800 Derby winner's share, and you can say these old folks had a pretty good day. Not only did Chapman and his wife and partner, Patricia, take America's most coveted prize after two decades in the horse business, but they also won a $5-million bonus from Oaklawn Park for sweeping the Rebel Stakes, Arkansas Derby and Kentucky Derby. Someday finally arrived on a sloppy track at rain-soaked Churchill Downs, when Stewart Elliott rode a perfect race to become the first jockey to win his Derby debut since Ronnie Franklin with Spectacular Bid in 1979. Trainer John Servis embraced 77-year-old owner Roy Chapman, who bred Smarty Jones at the farm he owns with his wife. The Pennsylvania-bred from Philadelphia Park, a colt that almost killed himself in a starting gate accident before he ever ran a race, became the first undefeated horse to win America's Race since the immortal Seattle Slew in 1977. The undefeated Smarty Jones will run past the Belmont Stakes. On Saturday, they were one and the same, as Smarty Jones, the sentimental favorite as well as the betting favorite, produced as improbable a happy ending as the great race has ever had. LOUISVILLE - The best horse doesn't always win the Kentucky Derby, yet the best story often does. Smarty Jones earns largest payoff ever for race win Triple Crown 2004 - Smarty Jones earns largest payoff ever for race win
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