DEATH OF RACING LEGEND
By Sarah Whitelaw

The great gelding, John Henry, was euthanized at the age of 32, following a detoriation in his quality of life. John had been battling a number of physical problems and the decision was made to end his suffering.

A truly remarkable horse, John Henry rose above his plebian pedigree and background to become one of the most beloved horses ever to set foot on a racetrack. He earned no fewer than seven Eclipse Awards during his career, which testified to both his talent and his courage.
A son of the undistinguished stallion Ole Bob Bower, John's dam, Once Double won two minor races and earned just over $3,000. A great fan favourite, John Henry was sold for a yearling for just a thousand dollars. Trained by VJ Nickerson and Ron McAnally, John also won the Santa Anita Handicap twice, the Hollywood Gold Cup and Turf Classic. He was equally good on the dirt as on the turf.

Known for his difficult personality, John Henry won no fewer 39 races on the racetrack, and was Horse of the Year twice. For a long time he was the all time leading money earner, having won over $6.5 million in prize money. He became a member of the US Racing Hall of Fame in 1990.

The race he became best known for winning was the inaugural Arlington Million , where he looked beaten in the last furlong only to get up to defeat The Bart by the shortest of short heads. John Henry is the only horse to have won the Arlington Million twice, winning it again as a nine year old.
A memorial service is planned by the Kentucky Horse Park, where he spent his long retirement alongside the likes of Cigar and many of equine celebrities.