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129TH PREAKNESS STAKES

May 15, 2004

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

THE MODERATOR: Eleven and a half lengths. We've got a jubulent crew. I will introduce them for you in case anybody up there doesn't know them. From my left to right, we have Carl Pascarela, who is the President and CEO of VISA. To his immediate left, sherry Servis, the very happy wife of trainer John Servis. Next to Sherry is John Servis, who needs no introduction. Next to John is Stewart Elliott, who needs no introduction. Next to Stewart are Patricia and Roy Chapman who need no introduction. Okay. First of all, unofficially from the Press Box we have the winning margin at 11 and a half lengths, which is believed to be the largest margin of victory in Preakness history. And we have a large crew up on the dias, but -- so my first question is going to go to the man who was in the middle of it on the racetrack, Stewart Elliott. Stewart, going into the first turn it looked like -- I know you knew that Lion Heart has a tendency to get out on the turn, however, it seemed like if anything he might have been pushing you a little more out into the turn, perhaps that was the only dicey point in the whole race. What were your thoughts as you were getting floated out into that first turn? Were you worried that Smarty Jones's chances were being compromised.

STEWART ELLIOTT: No, I wasn't worried. I was a little concerned. I didn't want to get him in a jackpot, I just wanted to have clear sailing for this horse, and I figured, you know, as long as we didn't get in a jackpot, we'd be fine. As it worked out, he had me out in the middle of the track, but there was no chance of getting boxed out and I figure if he had me out there now, I may as well stay where I'm at 'til he get down the backside. I figured I had the option of seeing Mike Smith, we get him back in. If we didn't have it in by the next turn, I was going to go inside of him. That's what happened. The horse had plenty of horse.

THE MODERATOR: Stewart, take us through the rest of the trip, if you would, from start to finish.

STEWART ELLIOTT: Like I said once I got down the backside, I was outside of Lion Heart. I seen Mike looked like he had a little trouble. He wasn't going to get him back in. My only concern was to close this, I didn't want to have the rail left wide open, me getting carried out and them have clear sailing on the inside. So it didn't seem to matter where I was on the track. My horse was just, you know, running so easy, so I just took him to the inside and he did the rest.

THE MODERATOR: Roy and Patricia Chapman, you officially became wealthy horse owners after the Kentucky Derby with the $5 million Centennial bonus from Oakland Park. Now you're on the precipice of being historic horse owners, one step away from being the 14th winners of the VISA Triple Crown. Can you compare today's victory from what you experienced in Kentucky?

PATRICIA CHAPMAN: You take it, Chappy. I guess, I really can. Today a very tough race. I just love sitting here listening to Stewart when he was getting aboard that horse in Kentucky. I think somebody called him Stu Who, a novice rider. You just heard a description of that race. If that sounds like a novice rider, I'll kiss your you know what.

THE MODERATOR: Patricia, anything to add?

PATRICIA CHAPMAN: Who can add to that. Who can follow that?

THE MODERATOR: John Servis, as good as you thought Smarty Jones's was coming into the race, the margin of victory has to be -- has to be a surprise, given the caliber of the field. The fact that two additional horses who were excluded from the Derby were in the field, what are your thoughts in terms of almost from a historic standpoint about the performance?

JOHN SERVIS: I was obviously concerned going into the race. Somebody asked me in there if I was as confident as I was going into the Derby. I said no, I'm not. I think he's coming back in two weeks. He was a little vulnerable. I would like to have another week with him. However, with that being said, he came out of the Derby so good, we elected to come to the Preakness. I knew he had to come with his best game, and I was a little concerned about that and he, once again, everything I've asked him for, he stepped up to two plate.

THE MODERATOR: This is a question for John or Stewart. Obviously it's impossible twenty minutes after the race to tell how a horse came back from his effort in the Preakness, however, you know, you're going to be asked, you know, he negotiated the two-week turnaround beautifully. Stewart, how do you think he handled the race and is there any reason whatsoever to think a mile and a half is not within his scope?

STEWART ELLIOTT: No, I don't think so. First, he handled the race very easily, galloped out strong and he wasn't even really blowing that hard after the race. It didn't seem like, you know, it took much out of him at all. And the mile and a half, I think he's just, you know, he'll do whatever I want him to. So I don't think that will be a problem.

THE MODERATOR: Sherry Servis, those who have been around the whole John Servis operation knows that you're a key member of the team. Your thoughts on, you know, things seem great before or they only seem to get better for anybody connected with this, after the -- after the race. How have the last two weeks been for you, and how do you look forward to the next three weeks?

SHERRY SERVIS: Just having all the support from everyone out there, I can get through anything just knowing everyone's on our side and backing us up.

THE MODERATOR: John, if after the Philadelphia Fliers game Thursday night, you were up on the board, your video presentation through a loud ovation after the Whacovia Center. Flyers won today. Pretty good day for Philadelphia sports.

JOHN SERVIS: I think it's a real good day. I think everybody in Philadelphia is happy. I just like to say one thing back to the earlier question. The fact that my wife made the sacrifices that she made for the last six months for my operation for the Chapman's, for the whole team, that says a lot about her character. I love her for it.

THE MODERATOR: John and Sherry, you've been married how long?

JOHN SERVIS: Twenty-three years.

THE MODERATOR: Thought so. Carl Pascarella, I know you've been chomping at the bit to give away $5 million. It seemed like we've had five very good opportunities to give it away and been unsuccessful. Perhaps you were jealous of Charles sell la, who was able to give $5 million away as a result of the Centennial bonus. Based on what you saw out on the Pimlico racetrack today, is that money burning a hole in your pocket? You think this is the year you're going to finally give it away? Pascarella first of all, we're so pleased with our partnership with Thoroughbred Racing and the Triple Crown. At VISA, you know, we certainly are very happy that the Chapman's got the first 5 million. We'll give the next 5 million to make Smarty Jones the most award-winning thoroughbred in the history of the industry. When we look back, I mean, we've had some really great times, as you say, five out of the last seven years. And some really good horses. But I don't think, you know, having watched this horse run, gotten to know John a little bit, and Stewart a little bit, and of course Sherry a little bit, it's such a great group, it's such a great story. And it's not just about VISA and the VISA Triple Crown. It's about thoroughbred racing. I think it's about America. It's just such a great time to be part of this right now we have great hostess in the past. I think this is the real deal. I think this is the time to really write the check. It's one payment VISA really, really wants to make. We haven't been able to make. It's about the only one we haven't been able to make.

SHERRY SERVIS: I want to know if we can get the interest from all the ones they weren't able to give out.

THE MODERATOR: Greedy. Pascarella she sounds like my wife. I just want to remind everybody listening upstairs in the Press Box, if you wish to ask any questions down here to the Smarty Jones's team, you may do so by going down to Paul Randalls at the end of the press box and relay the questions down to me. And we'll take questions here in the media. I want to ask John and Sherry where are Josh and Jeff today? We saw them strangling you at the Kentucky Derby. Were they here with you and what was their reaction?

JOHN SERVIS: Blane was here with us. Tyler was not. Tyler was home back in Philadelphia.

THE MODERATOR: I got my names a little crossed here. Okay. Carl, I understand you need to leave now. Any quick questions for Carl Pascarella specifically before we go? Carl, we'll see new three weeks. Would like to know if he has any doubts now about the Belmont or has Smarty Jones answered all the questions that I don't know might have entered his mind for the horse and now with the three weeks does he have any certain requests that he may take now? Question upstairs from the Press Box: John, do you have any doubts whatsoever about the Belmont Stakes, or possibly the three weeks Smarty Jones answers all those questions today out on the racetrack?

JOHN SERVIS: Again, you know, I have to see how he comes out of this race and how he's acting. The fact that it's three weeks, you know, if he comes out of it, good. I don't see any reason why we won't go to New York.

THE MODERATOR: From down here. Go ahead.
Q. What is different with Smarty Jones than all the other horses you've ridden? I'll throw in a follow-up. Are you going to be riding a four thousand dollar claimer on Monday?

STEWART ELLIOTT: No. I tell you what, this horse is by far the best horse I've ever been on. He just has so much ability and, you know, now he's learned to relax and he's push-button now. He's just a great horse.

THE MODERATOR: Gary Stevens said he knew coming for home he had another gear, but he didn't realize whether Smarty Jones had two more gears. Did you realize you had that much horse turning for home?

STEWART ELLIOTT: Yes, I was pretty confident.

THE MODERATOR: Want to tell anybody incidentally. Don Imus cashed a 10 thousand dollar cold exacta on this race, The kids at the Imus ranch are very happy right now. Do you any John or Stewart that Smarty Jones has just given you his best he has, or you think there might be something even better down the line?

JOHN SERVIS: I know I said before I haven't been able to get him tired, just the fact like Stew just mentioned the fact that he's really matured and learned how to race, he has that tactical speed. He has the ability to go to the next gear the way he does (in audible ) I think there's some room for improvement.

THE MODERATOR: We know that the Belmont Stakes is next. Perhaps a question for the Chapmans. We know the Belmont Stakes is on the agenda. Is the Travis and/or the Pennsylvania Derby on the agenda at this time?

STEWART ELLIOTT: I hope. It would be nice.

THE MODERATOR: Roy and Patricia pay the bills, let's see what they have to say.

PATRICIA CHAPMAN: I pay the bills. We discuss everything with John and Stew. They're the experts. That's why we have a trainer.

THE MODERATOR: Stewart, we have a question from upstairs. We understand you did have a conversation earlier this week with Ron tour cot. Did he give you any advice vis-a-vis the Preakness and/or the entire Triple Crown?

STEWART ELLIOTT: Yeah, he did. He told me, he said your horse looks pretty good on paper. He said, I think you'll go all the way. He says, you got the Derby underneath your belt. Just go for it. He said don't worry about nothing. And he said just be confident and I'll be rooting for you.

THE MODERATOR: Stewart, you had somewhat of a tumultuous week, 10 days. In the past you were able to handle it gracefully. Does the troublesome of the controversy of the past 10 days make today's victory any sweeter?

STEWART ELLIOTT: Sure. The past, you know, I just think about the past and I look where I was and now the future look where I am. So...

THE MODERATOR: John, you know, I will say if the media is asking you, obviously Philadelphia Park will, once again, be the unlikely epicenter of thoroughbred racing for the next or two and a half weeks. What are your shipping plans with the horse? You going to ship him back tomorrow and how long do you anticipate keeping him in Philadelphia Park?

JOHN SERVIS: I'll sit down with Mr. and Mrs. Chapman this evening. We'll discuss that. The original plan is to ship him back to Philadelphia late tomorrow morning. We'll sit down, map out a plan, and see how he comes out of the race and decide what we want to do.

THE MODERATOR: When you put the bridle on him at the Derby, you sensed a change in him from stall to paddock. Did you have that same feeling or inkling today as well?

JOHN SERVIS: I've seen that every time. I just really wasn't aware of it until actually reporter brought it up to me, said that Millie Turner made the comment and he saw Seattle Slew make a transformation in the stall. He seemed like just a formal horse as he got closer to the paddock. He seemed to transform into this great horse. And as he's asking me this question, I'm listening to him saying it. I'm saying, oh, my God. That's my horse. That's what he does. The closer he gets to the paddock, the more he transforms into something special.

THE MODERATOR: One question I have to ask you, not to get too involved in the gambling aspect of the sport. We know that Smarty Jones is a very popular horse, not just in Philadelphia, not just in Arkansas, but nationwide. As we were upstairs in the Press Box getting updates on the betting during the day, at one point I think around 2:30, 3:00 o'clock, he was 1-5. Were you aware of the early betting and just how much? I mean, at 1-5 any horse has got to be considered the sentimental choice. Were you amazed as much as you know people love Smarty Jones, the degree of support people were voting with their wallet, so to speak for your horse were you surprised at the degree of conviction people were showing towards your horse? Roy, why don't you take that, if you may?

PATRICIA CHAPMAN: I don't think he could hear. There's so many people talking over here. We're having trouble hearing.

THE MODERATOR: Well, Stewart and John, Sherry, I think you heard me.

JOHN SERVIS: I can tell you I spoke to the director of racing yesterday in Philadelphia Park.

THE MODERATOR: Sal Sinatra.

JOHN SERVIS: He informed me what they wagered yesterday at Philadelphia Park on Smarty Jones and, quite frankly, I was in shock. You know, and I was kidding with him. I said, gee, thanks. Sal put some more weight on his back. But he's certainly a sentimental favorite, absolutely.

THE MODERATOR: Any change in game plan coming into the Preakness with a 16th of a mile shorter distance, the feel you need to stay closer or what?

JOHN SERVIS: The only change for me was in his training. We did a whole lot less with him, and quite frankly, Stew and I talked in the paddock, and I told Stew, I said, it looks to me like it could be a lot the same race, and good luck. He started talking about this, everything except for the race. I let Stew ride the race, because I can't give him a bunch of -- I don't want to put too much in his head, number one. Number two, you don't know how things are going to unfold out there. When you got a rider like this, let him go out there and do his job.

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

THE MODERATOR: Speaking of doing your job. Question upstairs from the Press Box. Is this the first time in Smarty Jones's career he passed a horse on the inside like that?

STEWART ELLIOTT: I believe -- yes. Yes.

THE MODERATOR: Okay. Everybody watching on television in the Kentucky Derby saw how overcome you were at the Derby when almost to the point of people were get a little nervous for you from a physical standpoint. How did you deal with Preakness victory today?

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: I think I did pretty good, I really do. I made my mind up I was going the try to stay a little calmer. The Derby was a little nerve wracking. Things were handled here perfectly. I was perfectly taken care of Pimlico, my hotel. We had the greatest police escort coming here you've ever seen in your life. We had a heck of a good time. I was really pretty calm. I had to hold the tears back a little bit. Really, emotionally it really hit me just how good this horse is. I was like John, I didn't sleep too good last night. There was a lot of good horses in this race. You know, you hear about this, you hear about that. I thought he might win, but I never thought he would blow them away like he blew them away. I'm just happy.

THE MODERATOR: John, can you talk about Stewart's ride coming out, coming in?

JOHN SERVIS: Again, it just -- I mean, that's Stewart. You know, everybody's getting a chance to see the guy that I see ride races like that every day in Philadelphia Park. I'm happy for him. I mean, he's getting to know the notoriety he deserves. Unfortunately, for my horses in Philadelphia, I think I'll be looking for another rider before too long. I'm happy for him.

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: So am I.

STEWART ELLIOTT: I'm happy to be sitting here, part of this team. Very proud.

THE MODERATOR: The question was: You handled everything so well, how do you think the next three weeks will go, even everything will double or triple, I'll say how will everything will go, given things will multiply by 20 or 50.

JOHN SERVIS: Once we got back to Philly, things were so nerve wracking. It took about 24 hours and my wife stepped in and she said, I could see what this is doing to you, and I'm taking over and I'm going to get an appointment book and I'm going to work it out. You'll have everything scheduled so you can take care of your job and then go do your things. And she's done a great job. I'm sure she'll continue to do a great job the next three weeks. That's why we're a great team.

THE MODERATOR: Sherry, you game for another three weeks?

SHERRY SERVIS: We can (in audible).

THE MODERATOR: Stewart, it was one thing to be the favorite in the Derby. That brings with it obvious pressure, however, you were still one of 18. Maybe you weren't the one everyone was concerned about. There was some doubting Thomas. He is out there. Coming to the Preakness you were the Derby winner, a bullseye on your back, did you feel additional pressure coming in? Were you on the alert, so to speak, for other riders ganging up on you? You did get pushed out a little bit. What are your thoughts going in?

STEWART ELLIOTT: There was a couple of fresh horses in there that were new to me and, you know, we had to run by Lion Heart last time going a mile and a quarter. This was just a little bit shorter. So you know, I had to kind of watch both sides of me, in front of me and behind me, but I was pretty confident as long as things went good and that we were -- we had a good chance to win. I didn't think we was going to win by 11 and some lengths, but I thought --

THE MODERATOR: Stewart, a question from upstairs. Did you ever hit Smarty Jones any point and at what point did you take the lead with him?

STEWART ELLIOTT: We took the lead just turning for home, just inside the quarter pole, and I never turned my stick over. I tapped him like two or three times just to let him know it was time to go. And that was all he needed.

THE MODERATOR: Did you peek over your shoulder at all? Were you concerned about a certain horse coming up on you, Imperialism or somebody?

STEWART ELLIOTT: I wanted to be safe, make sure nobody was coming before I just got comfortable on him.

THE MODERATOR: I know one person who has been right behind you through thick and thin through all this. Your Agent Ray Lopez. Any comment?

STEWART ELLIOTT: Ray has been behind me 100 percent. Things are great. He's helping me get through this and, you know, things are just working good.

THE MODERATOR: Okay. When did you know you had won the race?

STEWART ELLIOTT: When I asked him turning for home, he responded like he did, and then I peaked back and nobody was coming. I knew we were winning.

THE MODERATOR: Question from upstairs. John, Smarty Jones, for obvious reasons, sometimes has problems prerace predominantly around the gate. Was there any concern whatsoever during the throwing through of Imperialism delays the start, following the post parade and all that? Did that worry you?

JOHN SERVIS: I was looking around a little bit. As far as I my horse goes, he might have been the calmest horse in the paddock in the post parade when they walked out. People were screaming and hollering, the horses were bouncing on their toes. I'm looking at him. He's walking along like he's going around the shed. We schooled him Friday morning. Mr. Wagner, the starter here, knew I was bringing him over, was ready for him, put the lead up on him. He walked right in. He's been doing really good at the gate the last three or four weeks.

THE MODERATOR: Mr. Chapman, if you win the VISA Triple Crown, you become the richest horse owner in racing history. Can I get a deal on the Ford?

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: I think so. You could have gotten that before I won the race. I got a couple of sons here, deliver you a car right today.

THE MODERATOR: I'll get your number later.

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: First thing I said Mr. Rendell. Do me a favor, send me some.

THE MODERATOR: Questions for team Smarty Jones. Five of the last seven years we've had the possibility of a Triple Crown. They all failed. You going to hit the books and do any studying history studying to see what went wrong or what you might be able to avoid, anything like that?

JOHN SERVIS: No, I don't think so. I watched them all. As far as training goes, you know, every horse is different. How I think he wants to train. We'll continue (inaudible)

THE MODERATOR: John or Stewart. Did either of you notice Smarty Jones peeking his ears as he approached the finish line and if so, what does that tend to indicate?

STEWART ELLIOTT: That's good. That's very good. That means he was just very comfortable.

THE MODERATOR: And you did notice that, Stewart?

STEWART ELLIOTT: Yes.

THE MODERATOR: John?

JOHN SERVIS: Yes.

STEWART ELLIOTT: There was nobody in front of me. I was concerned if anybody was coming from behind. Once I asked him, we straightened up and I asked him, I just exploded. Then I looked back and see nobody was even coming, so I knew it was going to be pretty easy.

THE MODERATOR: Roy and Patricia Chapman need to leave very shortly. So I'm going to canvas everybody right now. If they have any questions for Roy or Patricia before we let them go.

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: I want to make one announcement. I love the press, but my wife and I are going to take up residence in Nome, Alaska in the next three weeks. We'll see you in New York.

THE MODERATOR: That's okay. Sherry Servis has you covered. Before you go, Roy, before you go to Nome, we've got a couple of questions right here for you.

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: Go ahead.

THE MODERATOR: A general comment on you and Patricia's support for the game and industry these last couple of weeks. Being the owners of such a popular horse and being the human faces in front of them, at least in terms of the owner's standpoint --

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: What do I think it's done for racing?

THE MODERATOR: Yeah and --

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: Is that the question?

THE MODERATOR: Yes.

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: I really hope, I pray it helps racing. Racing is a good sport, a clean sport, and employs an awful lot of people. There's lot of people we find out. We went to the track to meet the Governor don't even know how to bet on a race that were there, just to see the horse. A guy can take his family, I don't know, down here, to the Philadelphia Park, park your car for nothing, nothing to get in, take your family let them play on a picnic you can take 40, $50 race, two dollars a race, six dollars a race, have a blast for the day. A lot of people really don't know what that feels like to see your horse you bet on come running down that stretch. I don't care if it's Smarty Jones or a 20 thousand dollar claimer. It's a thrill watching a horse coming down that stretch and you got to bet on him. It's a big thrill.

THE MODERATOR: Stewart just smiled. He knows 20 thousand dollar claimer is the feature race in Philadelphia Park. One last question. Member of the media speculating you might be hold enough to have actually seen Seabiscuit run. Is that true?

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: Did I what? I just got that one. I'm Jesus Christ, I am getting old. I trained him what do you hell do you mean did I see him run?

THE MODERATOR: Maybe you're a little too close to it. Can you draw any comparisons between Smarty Jones and Seabiscuit cut.

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: John would have to do. Two completely different horses Seabiscuit. (inaudible) We're going to put it off as long as we can. That's all.

THE MODERATOR: A man could become very, very wealthy retiring horses, but does the enjoyment you derive from watching him race kind of trump everything else?

ROY (Chappy) CHAPMAN: To me it does, yes. Don't get me wrong I'm not going the send that money back to anybody it's not going if change my style of living my wife's style of living, not going to change my children's style of living. Thank God. We're doing okay I'm not going to turn the money out. I sure hope it helps racing that's my big hope I really do.

THE MODERATOR: With that, we are going to let Roy and Patricia Chapman take their lead, we appreciate you coming down here very much, and we look forward the seeing you three weeks when you return from Nome at the Belmont Stakes. Any other questions here for Sherry Servis, John Servis or Stewart Elliott? We have a question for Stewart from upstairs. Stewart can you hear me? Stewart Elliott. Can you describe for us the build up these past two weeks to the Preakness and have you anticipated at all or had a chance to give any thought to what the build up will be over the next three weeks and how that may affect your life?

STEWART ELLIOTT: Well, I think I'm getting used to it. I imagine it's going to be the same, but I'm handling it all right and we'll just deal with it.

THE MODERATOR: John Servis. Hold on one second, we're about ready to wrap up. John, folks upstairs want to know what time they can expect you to see you at the barn tomorrow.

JOHN SERVIS: Well, I had it set up for the horses the leave at 10, and I just told Mike I'll meet with everybody after I get him on the van and get them on their way 1030.

End of FastScripts...

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