First Turn - 8/5

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.