PARX Hall of Fame
In October 19th, 2024, the Parx Racing Hall of Fame was honored to welcome three new members. Parx Racing Director of TRC/TRNI Richard Romano was awarded the Hall of Fame Special Achievement. Keystone track announcer Jack Lamar was inducted into the Hall of Fame in the same category and champion Pennsylvania-bred gelding Ruby Bleu was welcomed as the newest Hall of Fame horse.
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.
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Name
Year
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Ruby Bleu
2024
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Chub Wagon
2023
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Vequist
2022
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Spun to Run
2021
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Pure Sensation
2021
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Cathryn Sophia
2021
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Jaywalk
2019
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Imperial Hint
2019
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Discreet Lover
2019
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Page McKenney
2018
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Banjo Picker
2016
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Mr. Nickerson
2015
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Jostle
2015
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Ben's Cat
2015
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Whistle Pig
2014
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Roamin Rachel
2014
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Broad Brush
2014
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Win Man
2013
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Fire Plug
2013
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Cagey Exuberance
2013
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Gallant Bob
2012
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Devil's Honor
2012
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Cheating Arthur
2012
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Smarty Jones
2011
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My Juliet
2011
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Dainty Dotsie
2011
