JC / Railbird

Horses Archive

John Henry, 1975-2007

Photo courtesy of Horsephotos/NTRA.
John Henry, 32, was euthanized at 7:05 p.m. Monday at the Kentucky Horse Park (Herald Leader). The long retired champion had been in poor health since August and was suffering from Cushing’s disease and kidney problems. “There was a real difference in his demeanor and his sparkle, between Friday and Sunday,” said Horse Park executive director Jack Nicholson. “He seemed to be going in a downward cycle again.” A public memorial service will be held on October 19 at 2:00 p.m. for the Hall of Famer who was a two-time Horse of the Year.
The great gelding will be much missed. “His spirit was so huge,” said Cathy Roby, who cared for John Henry for more than 16 years (DRF). After John Henry’s death, Roby and her staff remained at the park through the evening, calling fans who had asked to be notified by phone of his passing, rather than coming upon the news unawares in the papers.
More: Lifetime past performances are available from DRF and there are several videos on YouTube. Watch the 1984 Turf Classic, 1984 Hollywood Invitational, 1981 Arlington Million, 1981 Santa Anita Handicap, and others.

Posted in Horses on October 8, 2007

Tuesday Evening Notes

– After losing the Adirondack and Spinaway Stakes at Saratoga by a combined 50 lengths, Phantom Income returned to winning form on Saturday in the NATC Futurity at Meadowlands (Blood-Horse). Sent off at 8-1, the two-year-old filly pressed the early pace, then squeezed through on the inside to win by 4 1/2 lengths over New York City Girl. Final time for the six furlong race was 1:09. An impressive debut winner at Belmont in July, Phantom Income was declared a non-starter in the Adirondack after a gate incident marred the break, leaving the second favorite trailing the field by several lengths. Trainer Rick Violette told Thoroughbred Daily News last month that the incident had set the talented-but-temperamental filly back mentally, requiring gate-schooling anew. “It has been a big problem,” he said. “We have had her back to the gate every day.” The conditioner must be hopeful that Saturday’s score is a sign Phantom is feeling good again.
– Undefeated Withers winner Divine Park, out of training since May with an injury to his left hind foot, worked three furlongs in :36.82 at Belmont Park this morning. Divine Park was expected to start in the Ohio Derby and was being pointed to the Haskell; no word yet on what trainer Kiaran McLaughlin might be planning for the Chester House colt in coming months.
– Over on FormBlog, Dan Illman gives a tutorial on spotting lead changes.
– I knew there was a reason I took a shine to Fabulous Strike at Belmont: The Vosburgh winner has Boston connections (Lowell Sun).
– Oh, and there were a few big Breeders’ Cup prep races across the country this weekend. Check out Superfecta, Mann, and Crist for all the details.

Posted in Breeders' Cup, Horses on October 2, 2007

‘Riches Misses Work

Rags to Riches spiked a temperature this morning, forcing the cancellation of a scheduled work and imperiling her planned start in the September 8 Ruffian at Belmont. “She’s acting perfect, she’s bright, sharp and aggressive, but the thermometer’s a little bit off,” said trainer Todd Pletcher (DRF). Later in the day, Sherry Ross caught up with the conditioner, who reported that the fever was gone, the filly’s bloodwork fine, and that he might breeze her on Wednesday, “but it’s premature to make any decisions yet.” Two things: Is anyone else beginning to doubt that we’ll see Rags to Riches race again this year, never mind as a four-year-old? And is it possible that a mild bug is sweeping through Pletcher’s New York barn? That would explain the trainer’s Spa slump, which resumed in force after Wait a While’s Ballston Spa victory.

Posted in Horses on August 27, 2007