In 2011, the PTHA and Parx Racing joined forces to create a Hall of Fame for outstanding horses, trainers, jockeys, owners, and those recognized for their special achievements in the racetrack’s history. On September 22, 2012, the official Hall of Fame opened on the third floor of the Parx Racing grandstand, in the hallway to the Steakhouse.

Immediately noticeable as guests enter the hallway is a nearly life-size sepia wall covering of Champion Smarty Jones with exercise rider Pete Van Trump aboard, and trainer John Servis alongside on his pony. A look straight ahead, and a glass-enclosed sculpture of a standing Smarty Jones commemorates the PA-bred colt who put Pennsylvania on the map as a leader in both the racing and breeding industry, and who was a 2011 inductee into the Hall of Fame, along with his owners and breeders Pat and Roy Chapman, trainer John Servis, and jockey Stewart Elliott. Especially popular is a wall of drawings by Peb, the well-known caricaturist of Thoroughbred racing horses and people.

The warm, dark wood paneling on either side of the hall is in contrast to the bright colors of the leading owners’ silks on one side, and on the other, photos of the inductees above burnished plaques bearing their names and achievements.

Although the induction ceremonies are held once a year, the memories can be enjoyed every day up in the Hall of Fame.

Parx Racing Hall of Fame Inductees