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Twenty years ago, Pennsylvania-bred's Smarty Jones' quest for the Triple Crown captivated Philadelphia and the nation.

Brody's Cause, one of only two horses to win both of Keeneland's top races for 2- and 3-year-olds on dirt since Round Table in 1957, has been acquired by Rodney Eckenrode to stand at Equistar Training and Breeding in Annville, Pa., in 2023. A multiple Grade 1 winner and grade 1 sire, Brody's Cause will stand for $3,500.

Happy 21st birthday to Smarty Jones, a chestnut racehorse born Feb. 28, 2001, on a small farm in Pennsylvania.

Happy 21st birthday to Smarty Jones, a chestnut racehorse born Feb. 28, 2001, on a small farm in Pennsylvania.

The 147th running of the Kentucky Derby is Saturday.Smarty Jones, one of the most popular winners, was born in Pennsylvania and is now on a farm in the Susquehanna Valley."Normally when he's done his grain, he'll start hollering to go out. He has me trained pretty well," Rodney Eckenrode said.So Eckenrode dutifully takes Smarty out to the paddock for some fresh air and exercise at Equistar Farm in northern Lebanon County."He is Pennsylvania's greatest thoroughbred," Eckenrode said.Smarty Jones captured hearts across America in 2004 when he won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. He ...