Though he’s definitely showing his age, 32-year-old John Henry still has that storybook “look of eagles” in his eyes. The bay Thoroughbred gelding lives in retirement at Kentucky Horse Park where he greets visitors with a bit of an attitude. He’s known for having a cantankerous disposition. Perhaps it was that indomitable spirit that led John Henry to earn over $6 million in his racing career, and to become the first horse to win the famed Santa Anita Handicap twice.
To help mark the 25th anniversary of his first “Big ‘Cap” win, there will be a special party at Kentucky Horse Park. Throughout the day March 3, when the annual race is held in California, John Henry will be the center of attention. Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay, Jr., who rode the scrappy bay to one of his Big ‘Cap wins, and the horse’s trainer, Ron McAnally, will also be on hand. Both Pincay and McAnally will be signing prints of a lovely Fred Stone painting that depicts John Henry racing at Santa Anita. It’ll definitely be a special day for a special horse.