Smarty Jones Sculpture Sale to Benefit Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation

Clagett has produced an edition of only 10 castings and the 2 artist's proofs. The sculpture stands 17 inches high, is 14 inches long and is 8 inches wide. It will be available by bidding on eBay, via the "Art" section, from June 4 through June 14. (Minimum bid, $3,500.)

"When I do a commission, I work for the owner," said Clagett, so the artist's proof will be the only likeness from the edition offered for sale to the public.

"We are very pleased with the sculpture," said Pat Chapman, co-owner with her husband, Roy, of Smarty Jones during his racing career. The colt swept unbeaten through the Kentucky Derby and Preakness to become a public hero last spring and now is at stud at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Ky. "Jean took a lot of time getting it just right. We are pleased to be a part of this project."

Clagett has been devoted to art since she was 13 years old and saw the "Winged Victory" of Samothrace while on a visit to the Louvre in Paris with her father. This interest in art has been merged with her love of horses, as she is also a skilled horsewoman and show jumper.

In addition to the recently completed Smarty Jones piece, Clagett's current projects include a life-size statue of Three-Day Event world champion Bruce Davidson aboard Eagle Lion, which is destined for the Kentucky Horse Park.

Clagett's Atelier West studio (http://www.atelierwest.com) is located in Corvallis, Ore., she having returned to the United States after living and working for several years in France. The versatile Clagett continues to do commission work for various Thoroughbred owners, and her other projects include producing trophies for Colonial Downs.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation (http://www.grayson-jockeyclub.org) has allocated $825,873 to underwrite 20 research projects at 12 universities in 2005, including 14 new projects and the continuation of 6 two-year projects approved in 2004. Current research includes studies on foal pneumonia and healing bone fractures, a new method for curing recurrent airway obstruction (heaves), and healing tendons and ligaments via stem cell injection. Foundation-funded research helps not only Thoroughbreds and racing, but all breeds and uses of horses. Since 1983 the Foundation has underwritten 200 projects at 32 universities for more than $12 million.