John Henry
One of the greatest Thoroughbreds to grace the track in the last half of the 20th century passed away this past week. John Henry, twice voted Horse of the Year the last as a nine year old and winner of four Eclipse awards as turf male and one as top older male horse, member of the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and a personal favorite of many a race fan young and old. I watched John Henry race when I first started really getting into Thoroughbred racing and I have to say I am priveleged to have seen him run even if it was only on television. He opened my eyes to the top races outside of the Triple Crown. John Henry was a champion, a truly great horse wrapped in a plain brown coat. People may think I'm silly crying over a horse that I've never seen but its like a piece of childhood has passed away. I wish I could have gotten up to Kentucky to have seen him in person at the Horse Park.
Bloodhorse Article
"John Henry, the 32-year-old legendary gelding who has been at the Kentucky Horse Park since 1985, was euthanized at 7 p.m. Oct. 8.
“The mighty heart of the great John Henry has, at long last, yielded to time," expressed John Nicholson, executive director of the Horse Park. "The racing industry has lost a legend, but more significantly, many people have lost a personal hero. John Henry’s true legacy was written in people’s hearts far more indelibly than his superlative racing career could ever reflect.
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Chris McCarron rode John Henry in 14 of his last races and has spent many hours with the horse during his 22 years at the park. Regarding the great horse’s passing, he observed, “What can I say about the legendary John Henry that has not already been said? John meant the world to my family and me. Everywhere he raced, his presence doubled the size of a normal race track crowd. He did so much for racing, even after he retired, that he will be impossible to replace. He will be sorely missed but forever in our hearts.”
Steve Haskin's Article
"John Henry was not born to greatness and did not possess the physical attributes or the bloodlines to be great. He did, however, possess something much rarer: the strength of character to will himself to be great."