Smarty Jones from Pa. to Be Inducted in Hall of Fame

A Pennsylvania-born chestnut stallion that went on to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes is being inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The induction for the legendary Smarty Jones comes nearly two decades after the horse's final race.

The newest Hall of Fame members will be celebrated on Friday, Aug. 8, in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Smarty Jones was born on breeder and owner Pat Chapman's farm in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and named after her mother's nickname, "Smarty."

In 2004, Smarty Jones leaped onto the national stage. He conquered the Kentucky Derby and galloped to victory in the Preakness Stakes by a record 11½ lengths, a record that remains today. Competing in the Belmont Stakes ended the horse's historic rise to the top. Smarty Jones finished one length short of a Triple Crown title.

In his two years on the competition track, Smarty Jones received $7.6 million and won the admiration of horse fans across the country.

"Philadelphia, they were really hot for Smarty. They loved him," Chapman said in comments shared with CBS News Philadelphia. "There were billboards about the horse; there were songs about him. The fan mail — we had tubs and tubs of fan mail."

According to CBS News Philadelphia, Smarty Jones' loyal fan base is credited with helping propel the horse into the Hall of Fame. Elected during his first year on the ballot, Smarty Jones has won his last race thanks to the support of his fans.