American champion Thoroughbred John Henry was one of the most celebrated and successful racehorses of the 20th century.
Considered one of the best closers of recent history, he twice claimed the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year in 1981 and again in 1984. During his racing career John Henry won 39 out of 83 and a record-breaking $6,591,860 USD in earnings.
A winner of more graded stakes than any other Thoroughbred, 25, he is one of only three hoses to win the Santa Anita Handicap and is the only double winner of Grade I race, the Arlington Million.
A Goal Chance Farm foal, John Henry was born in 1974. Sired by Ole Bob Bowers and Once Double, his pedigree included graded stakes race winner, Double Jay and 1961 Hollywood Gold Cup winner, Prince Blessed.
John Henry began his racing career running in minor stakes and mid-level claiming races. His breakthrough came when, as a three-year-old, he was bought by businessman Sam Rubin who owned the Dotsam Stables. Taken on by trainer Robert Donato, John Henry won 6 out of 19 races he entered and ended the season as a stakes winner.
After the 1979 grass season ended in New York, Rubin sent John Henry to California where under trainer Ron McAnally he enjoyed six stake race winning-streak, helping him emerge as a huge talent.
After retiring from the track John Henry was sent to the Hall of Champions, Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. He died in October 2007, aged 32 after developing kidney problems.
