Parx Racing: Indian Jones honored as track's best of 2013

Indian Jones, who in the span of slightly more than three months went from being claimed for $25,000 to within a whisker of winning a Grade 3 stakes, received three major awards, including Pennsylvania’s horse of the year for 2013, during the annual awards dinner of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association on Wednesday night at Parx Racing.

The awards recognize the best achievements by horses and individuals at Parx in suburban Philadelphia.

As a 6-year-old last season, Indian Jones was claimed by trainer Phil Aristone out of a third-place finish for $25,000 on May 26. He won back-to-back starts in high-priced optional claimers, and then followed up by missing by a nose in the Grade 3 Greenwood Cup at 1 1/2 miles. Indian Jones went on to finish fifth, beaten only 2 1/2 lengths, in the Breeders’ Cup Marathon.

In addition to horse of the year, Indian Jones was honored as top older male and top claim of the year.

Other divisional awards went to Honorable Judge, 2-year-old male; Exit Interview, 2-year-old filly; Edge of Reality, 3-year-old male; Rebecca’s Surprise, 3-year-old filly; Winning Image, older female; Major Highway, top claimer; and Sewanee, winningest horse.

Jockey Kendrick Carmouche won his fifth riding title in six years. Patricia Farro won the first training title of her career, becoming just the third female to ever win the award at Parx. Jockey Hector Caballero won the award as top apprentice jockey. High Point Thoroughbred Partners was honored as leading owner.

In the “B” division for top percentage among outfits with fewer than 150 starts and fewer than 10 stalls, Tim Smylie was leading trainer and JMC Stables was leading owner.