Seven have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the organization announced, with the 2025 class highlighted by the induction of celebrated Pennsylvania-bred Smarty Jones, legendary trainer George H. Conway, a New Jersey native, and esteemed journalist and historian Edward L. Bowen.

In the contemporary category, Smarty Jones was the sole finalist to appear on the majority of ballots cast and thus the lone inductee. Bred in Pennsylvania by Someday Farm, the chestnut colt captured the public’s imagination during his electrifying 2004 campaign. He won eight of nine career starts, including the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, and earned the Eclipse Award for Champion 3-Year-Old Male.

Trained by John C. Servis and ridden exclusively by Stewart Elliott, Smarty Jones began his career at Philadelphia Park, later dominating the Derby prep circuit at Oaklawn Park. His Derby win made him the first undefeated winner of the race since Seattle Slew, and he followed with a record-setting Preakness victory before being narrowly denied the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes. Retired with earnings exceeding $7.6 million, Smarty Jones became a fan favorite and a symbol of hope for underdog stories in racing.

George H. Conway, selected by the Historic Review Committee, trained Hall of Famer War Admiral to the 1937 Triple Crown. Born in Oceanport, NJ, Conway’s career began as an exercise rider in the 1880s and evolved into a prominent training role with Sam Riddle’s stable.

After assisting with the great Man o’ War, Conway took over as Riddle’s head trainer and conditioned Hall of Famers like Crusader and War Admiral, the latter winning the Triple Crown and 21 of 26 starts overall and defeating top rivals in nearly every major race of the era. Conway also trained standout runners such as Speed Boat and War Hero and compiled an extensive list of stakes victories. He retired in 1938 due to health issues and passed away the following year.

Edward L. Bowen, inducted by the Pillars of the Turf Committee, was a towering figure in racing media and research. Over a career spanning six decades, Bowen served as editor in chief of The BloodHorse, authored 22 books, and chaired the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee for 37 years. He also led the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation for 24 years, raising millions for equine health research.

A tireless advocate for the sport, Bowen, a native of West Virginia, received numerous honors, including the Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Award for contributions to the Museum. His influence extended across all facets of the racing industry, from journalism to equine welfare to Hall of Fame stewardship.

Also elected this year were racehorses Decathlon and Hermis, and turf luminaries Arthur B. Hancock III and Richard Ten Broeck.

Decathlon was a two-time Champion Sprint Horse in the 1950s known for his track record-setting speed and resilience under heavy weights. Hermis, a dominant force in the early 1900s, was retrospectively honored as Horse of the Year in both 1902 and 1903, winning prestigious races such as the Travers and Suburban Handicap.

Arthur B. Hancock III, a central figure in American breeding and racing, founded Stone Farm and bred or raced such elite horses as Sunday Silence and Gato Del Sol. His leadership also helped shape reforms in medication policy and aftercare through the Water Hay Oats Alliance and other efforts.

Richard Ten Broeck, an influential 19th-century promoter, breeder, and racetrack developer, transformed Metairie Race Course into a national showplace and was instrumental in launching the career of the legendary Lexington.

The 2025 induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, August 1, at 10:30 a.m. at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs. The event is open to the public, free of charge, and will be streamed live on the Museum’s website. Tom Durkin will return as master of ceremonies.