Racing icon Henry dies

John Henry, the two-time American Horse of the Year, has died at the age of 32.

The gelding, who had kidney trouble and was treated several times for dehydration over the summer, was put down on Monday at the Kentucky Horse Park, his home since 1985.

“The mighty heart of the great John Henry has, at long last, yielded to time,” said John Nicholson, executive director of Kentucky Horse Park.

“The racing industry has lost a legend, but more significantly, many people have lost a personal hero.

“John Henry’s true legacy was written in people’s hearts far more indelibly than his superlative racing career could ever reflect.”

Transferred to trainer Ron McAnally after previously being in the care of Victor Nickerson, the son of Old Bob Bowers won 16 Grade One races.

Robert Donato, Phil Marino, and Hal Snowden jr also trained John Henry, who was voted Racehorse of the Decade for the 1980s.

He retired after an eight-year racing career in 1984 with 39 wins in 83 starts - and earnings of 6,591,860.

A 1990 inductee into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame at Saratoga Springs, John Henry was also a seven-time Eclipse Award winner and was named Horse of the Year in 1981 and 1984.

“After continued successful efforts to maintain the quality of John Henry’s life, in the past 48 hours he did not respond to our medical intervention,” added Kathy Hopkins, the Kentucky Horse Park’s equine director.

“Due to the loss of kidney function and muscle mass, his veterinarian, Dr Mike Beyer, found it impossible to keep him properly hydrated and comfortable.

“Over the years, our goal has always been to maintain the highest quality of care and life for him, and it became evident over the weekend that this was no longer possible.

“Our hearts go out to all of those who so deeply cared for John during his long and charismatic life,” Hopkins told www.thoroughbredtimes.com.

John Henry will be buried near his paddock at the Hall of Champions.