| John Henry (horse) |
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John Henry was sold as a yearling for $1,100 at the scored a heart stopping victory in the Jim Dandy Stakes over the speedy Sensitive Prince. GOING TO CALIFORNIA In 1979, John Henry was sent to the trainer Ron McAnally in California. (McAnally learned the trade under his uncle, Reggie Cornell, the trainer of the legendary Silky Sullivan .) Whether it was the Hall-of-famer McAnally's handling of him, the change of scene from the east coast to the tracks in California, or just late maturing cannot be determined; but it was at this point that the small, plain, dark bay or brown gelding started hitting his stride. Racing through the age of 9, John Henry became a force to be reckoned with in the handicap and turf stakes races of the time. He twice won the Santa Anita Handicap (once by disqualification) and twice won the Arlington Million Stakes . His final race record stood at 83 starts, 39 wins, 15 seconds, and 9 thirds with $6,497,947 in earnings. He was twice voted Horse Of The Year . GROWING OLD IN STYLE John Henry's owner, Sam Rubin, sent the gelded horse to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington to Live in the Hall of Champions barn with other retired champions. In the annals of racing, John Henry earned his place of greatness through toughness, tenacity, and hard work rather than intrinsic brilliance. John Henry had many quirks that endeared him to his followers, not the least of which was the habit of turning towards the tote board after a victory as if checking the time of the race, or possibly the payoff. Regular rider Chris McCarron often described him as very smart, commenting: "I'm just along for the ride." John Henry, in the view of many followers of thoroughbred racing, was one of the best come-from-behind horses (or "closers") in recent history. The only other horse comparable was aforementioned Silky Sullivan . In '' The Blood-Horse '' ranking of the Top 100 U.S. Thoroughbred Champions Of The 20th Century , John Henry was ranked #23. John Henry is one of the longest lived race horses ever, currently 31 years old (he turned 31 on March 9, 2006). Race horses commonly live 15-20 years, a few reach 25, but very few reach 30. John Henry was inducted into the National Museum Of Racing And Hall Of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York in 1990. JOHN HENRY'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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