John Henry?

Question

I debated about whether I should post this because (1) I'm categorically opposed to asking questions since they steal 5 points from me and (2) this isn't really a question. But I couldn't find an appropriate place to put this in an answer so I decided to waste the 5 points for the first and probably only time.

I had the pleasure of visiting John Henry in August... I think it was actually 2 months ago tomorrow. They no longer asked him to come into the hall of champions ring, but we could stand by his stall. I had apple pieces that I stealthily fed to him out of my pocket ;o) He was looking a little skinny and he was clearly very old, but he was doing quite well. even well enough to pin his ears at the girl who was trying to halter him to take him for a walk! I took some pictures and thought that I should share with all of you. I hope you enjoy them.

http://pets.webshots.com/album/560992676CRhsJV

and just to make this a question: what's your favorite John Henry memory?

Answer 1

Thankyou for the pictures.My favorite moment was when he was being shown at the Hall of Champions in October 2003 and he bit the handler.I remember it well.I guess I will have to get a book about him.

Answer 2

Thanks for the photos. John Henry was a little before my time (I didn't follow horse racing so much as a teenager in the 80's). But he still has the record for the gelding with the most winnings in Thoroughbred history. So, he was remarkable, indeed. I am mostly glad that he lived a peaceful life and was well taken care of and was allowed to die with dignity and not in a slaughterhouse like so many famous race horses have.

Answer 3

These are great pictures! My favorite John Henry moment is the 1981 Arlington Million. The Bart passed him in the stretch but John Henry wouldn't give up and won by a nose. That shows his true grit and determination! RIP John Henry!

Answer 4

Great pictures, thanks for sharing.

My favorite John Henry moment came when he chased Chris McCarron out of his paddock at the KHP...LOL! I have never laughed so hard in my life. Chris was there during the filming of Seabiscuit, he took some of the crew and guests to the park at night. He climbed thru the fencing thinking he could grab John's halter and bring him closer for people to see.

Guess over the years Chris forgot how ornery John could be, and how territorial. John bared his teeth ( and I thought I really heard him growl)...LOL! Chris came flying back over that fence so fast he was just a blur! What a time to be caught w/o a camera!  This was back in the fall of 2002, one of the BEST times to be in Kentucky. It was cool that evening and John was truly feeling his oats.

Godspeed, my friend, Godspeed.

Answer 5

i saw all of his races on the west coast when he was king,

but when he beat "the Bart" by a lip in the Arlington million

that was the race i will remember him most for. we have

lost a true champion. he ran when they did not have million

dollar races every month,,,he is now back with the shoe.

Answer 6

them are all nice photo's.

i was never really a John Henry fan because he was done racing by the time i ever got into horse racing. so i never really heard much about him.

but i read up a little bit and he seemed like a great horse.

-mel

Answer 7

thanks the pics were great made tears come to mine in the paddock with chris mccarron he was so fiesty and most  i lved him rip  john  your in heaven  miss you

Answer 8

Thank You for sharing your photos of John Henry that was very thoughtful.  I never got to see John Henry race but I always heard about him and when I moved to Kentucky I would go and see him occasionlly, he was always on his best behavior when I saw him I had my picture taken with him and he was a perfect gentleman but I have heard story that he had quite a attitude, may he rest in peace now he has earned it,farwell to a great champion.

Answer 9

Thanks for the photos.My favorite John Henry moments came watching him win graded stakes races as a 9 yr old over those young whipper snappers.I think the Kentucky horse park needs to find a new thoroughbred buddy for

Cigar now.R.I.P. you truly had the heart of a champion.