In the rolling green pastures of the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, a frail but still fiercely independent gelding stood as a living relic of racing greatness. His coat had dulled with age, his back sagged, and his legs—once iron-strong—now moved with caution rather than power. But his eyes retained a sharpness, and the stubborn tilt of his head told the story of a fighter who never let anyone dictate his stride. It was 2006, and John Henry, arguably the most beloved racehorse in American history, had reached the venerable age of 31.
That alone was a feat worth celebrating. Few Thoroughbreds live that long, let alone with the legacy John Henry carried on his bony frame. To those unfamiliar with his story, he was simply an old horse. But to generations of racing fans, handlers, and horse lovers, John Henry was a legend—a blue-collar champion who defied breeding odds, outlasted critics, and became the people’s horse.
A Humble Beginning
John Henry was born on March 9, 1975, at Golden Chance Farm in Kentucky. He was a plain bay with a somewhat ordinary appearance and unimpressive bloodlines. His sire, Ole Bob Bowers, was not a standout in the breeding world, and his dam, Once Double, offered little more in terms of elite pedigree. From the start, John Henry was underestimated.
Named after the folk hero known for beating a steam drill with sheer will and muscle, the colt would come to embody the same dogged determination. But early in his life, there were few signs of greatness. He was sold at auction for just $1,100 as a yearling and again for $2,200 as a two-year-old—a pittance compared to other racehorses with more fashionable breeding.
Racing Career: Defying the Odds
John Henry didn’t race until the age of two, and his first performances were modest at best. But he began to improve, especially when placed in the care of trainer Ron McAnally, who would become synonymous with the horse’s career. McAnally recognized that John Henry had more heart than most horses he’d worked with. He raced like he understood the stakes. He hated to lose.
Between 1977 and 1984, John Henry became a titan of American turf racing. He won 39 of 83 starts, placed in countless others, and earned over $6.5 million, making him the richest racehorse of his time. He won prestigious races like the Santa Anita Handicap (twice), the Arlington Million (twice), the Hollywood Invitational, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
In 1981 and again in 1984, John Henry was named Horse of the Year, a rare feat for a gelding and an older horse. His career spanned a remarkable eight seasons, and he often competed against—and beat—younger, flashier horses. In a sport obsessed with breeding and youthful precocity, John Henry was a tough, late-blooming underdog who kept showing up and outworking everyone else.
Retirement at the Kentucky Horse Park
After his final race in 1984, John Henry was retired to the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions, a museum-like facility where some of the sport’s greats live out their twilight years in comfort and with public admiration. For John Henry, the transition from competitor to ambassador was seamless. He had always loved attention, and he relished his new role as a living monument to equine excellence.
By 2006, John Henry had been retired for 22 years. That year, he celebrated his 31st birthday, a significant milestone for any horse, but especially a Thoroughbred who had raced so extensively. Visitors still flocked to see him, and the old gelding remained a favorite among park staff. He had mellowed slightly with age but retained his stubborn personality. He was known to nip at inattentive handlers and never tolerated being ignored.
Physically, the toll of a long life—and a grueling career—was evident. He had suffered from chronic laminitis, a painful hoof condition, and his arthritis made his movement increasingly slow and stiff. But he remained alert, eating well and interacting with visitors in the way only John Henry could: on his own terms.
Personality That Captivated a Nation
What made John Henry special wasn’t just his victories or earnings, but his personality. He was intelligent, ornery, and proud. Unlike many racehorses who faded into the background once retired, John Henry seemed to understand his place in the spotlight. He basked in it. He had a way of looking at visitors that made them feel seen. He demanded respect, and more often than not, he got it.
His bond with longtime groom and caretaker, Tony Lovato, was legendary. Lovato understood John Henry’s moods, his quirks, and his boundaries. In interviews, he often remarked that John Henry wasn’t a horse you “trained”—he was a horse you negotiated with. Even in old age, that fire never left him.
A Symbol of Grit and Determination
In a sport often criticized for its elitism, John Henry was the working man’s hero. He wasn’t bred to win. He wasn’t built like a classic champion. But he had something that couldn’t be measured in bloodlines or conformation: heart. Fans loved him because he reflected something deeply human. He was imperfect, gritty, relentless, and proud.
His longevity—both on the track and in retirement—added to his legend. At 31 in 2006, he stood as a symbol of endurance in a world that often forgets its heroes once the spotlight fades. He was a reminder that greatness isn’t always born—it’s made, one grueling step at a time.
End of an Era
As 2006 drew to a close, those who worked with John Henry knew they were witnessing the twilight of an extraordinary life. He was slowing down, sleeping more, and interacting less. Though his mind was still sharp, his body was failing. In October 2007, just months after his 32nd birthday, John Henry was humanely euthanized due to complications from kidney failure and laminitis.
His death marked the end of an era, but his memory endures. He was buried at the Kentucky Horse Park, where his grave remains a site of pilgrimage for fans of racing and horse lovers alike.
Legacy
John Henry’s legacy is vast. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1990. His story has been told in books, documentaries, and television specials. Statues of him stand in multiple locations, and his memory is honored annually at the Kentucky Horse Park.
But more than any accolade, it is the emotional connection that sets John Henry apart. He inspired a deep affection that transcended wins and losses. His journey—from unwanted yearling to multi-millionaire champion—represents the possibility that greatness can come from anywhere, that heart and willpower can triumph over privilege and pedigree.
Conclusion
In 2006, as he reached the age of 31, John Henry was no longer the fiery champion that once thundered down racetracks with unrelenting drive. But in many ways, he was more powerful. He had become a living monument to resilience, spirit, and the unshakable will to win. Every wrinkle in his skin, every sway in his step, told a story that the racing world would never forget.
John Henry wasn’t just a horse. He was a legend. And in 2006, even as time wore away his body, his spirit remained undimmed.
