August 2007

Erin Ryder at BloodHorse.com writes about John Henry in Hoofing It with John Henry

If you’ve visited the Kentucky Horse Park sometime in the past few months, you might have noticed a small, dark brown gelding, utterly unremarkable apart from his obvious age, walking with purpose with bright eyes and pricked ears among the sleek and shiny show horses. Step a little closer and read the engraved plate on his halter: you’re looking at John Henry.

John Henry was twice Thoroughbred Horse of the Year (1981 and 1984), won $6.5 million, and is still the richest gelding in Thoroughbred racing history. He’s also known as a difficult character around the barn.

What’s different about John Henry now from a few months ago, when the world wondered if he would actually make his 32nd birthday?

He has been going for morning walks around the park (see video). Given his head, he drops his nose like a bird dog, picks his course, and is off. His “mystery excursions” might take him to the lake, for a tour of the cross country course, through the hustle and bustle of whatever show is running that day, or sometimes right through the middle of the Parade of Breeds to revel in the applause he clearly feels is still his due.

Make no mistake, he has earned his notoriously nasty reputation. Cathy Roby, who manages the park’s Hall of Champions, John’s home for the past 22 years, said she bears 16 years worth of scars that prove he’s a tough charge to handle. However, she reported John has mellowed–a little–with age, and that his improved attitude since his daily excursions began has changed the whole dynamic of the barn.

Below are some videos of this great horse.

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