John Henry, The Bart Move to Saratoga
Starting on July 12, the famed statue depicting the thrilling finish of the 1981 Arlington Million will be residing permanently at the National Museum of Racing. Here is the inside story of that historic race and the unforgettable battle to the wire between John Henry and The Bart. ~ Steve Haskin
John Henry, The Bart Move to Saratoga
By Steve Haskin
When Churchill Downs sold Arlington Park it inherited its iconic showpiece, the “Against All Odds” statue depicting the thrilling finish of the inaugural Arlington Million between John Henry and The Bart that overlooked the paddock since 1989.
Churchill, not having any connection to the statue, has donated it to the National Museum of Racing in Saratoga, where it will be unveiled on July 12. Now fans at the famed Spa can look at this striking piece of history constructed by Edwin Bogucki and relive one of the greatest races ever run, which launched the Arlington Million into national prominence and John Henry into legend.
So let us go back to 1981 and how this epic race came about and how close John Henry came to not running. But first we have to set the stage by briefly telling John Henry’s remarkable story and what an unlikely hero he was. He had such an irascible disposition his owners couldn’t wait to get rid of him, selling him for $1,100 and $2,200. But someone was always willing to buy him. One person, Hal “Bubba” Snowden, bought and sold him three times. He was owned by Cajuns, Kentucky hardboots, a female Japanese bloodstock agent, and a Jewish bicycle salesman. His sire stood at a farm near Osseo, Michigan for a stud fee of $900. He began his career at tiny Jefferson Downs and Evangeline Downs in Louisiana, making little impact.
When owner Colleen Madere and trainer Phil Marino began conflicting with each other, Madere contacted Snowden and asked him to take John back and try to sell the horse. John eventually wound up with Sam Rubin, who knew little about racing for an owner. As John’s career took off several years later and he vaulted to superstardom, Marino’s life and career became a living hell. He couldn’t get new clients because everyone knew him as the trainer who couldn’t win with John Henry. With nothing but cheap claimers he descended deeper and deeper into drugs and alcohol, having to support a $2,400-a-week cocaine habit. It reached a point where he couldn’t care if he lived or died. When he finally heard that John Henry had retired, he gave up alcohol and drugs and straightened out his life. Marino never lost his deep affection for John, who he nicknamed Squirrel, despite his constant battles with the horse at the barn. Marino visited John often at the Kentucky Horse Park and the two became good friends, playing games like tug-o-war. He always said his visits with John brought tears to his eyes. The past was forgotten.
So how did this mean-spirited, obscurely bred ragamuffin wind up becoming the first horse to earn $3 million, the first horse to earn $4 million, the first horse to earn $5 million, and the first horse to earn $6 million? How did he wind up winning two Horse of the Year titles, one at the age of 9, and seven Eclipse Awards, being featured on NBC’s Today Show, and being named by People magazine as one of the 25 most intriguing “people” of 1984?
He eventually made his way into the barn of trainer Ron McAnally, who spent his youth in an orphanage following the death of his mother and could relate to John Henry when it came to feeling unwanted. John had spent the first four years of his life being tossed around like unclaimed baggage and responded to the patience and kindness shown him by McAnally. Together the two would make history.
Now we can fast forward to the summer of 1981. At first, John Henry raced in McAnally’s name in California and in V.J. “Lefty” Nickerson’s name when he ran in New York. Following his victory in the Sword Dancer Stakes at Belmont Park under Nickerson’s name he returned to McAnally for good and began training at Del Mar for the new Arlington Million, a mile and a quarter grass race, which would be America’s first million-dollar race.
Ten days before the Million, John Henry went out for a routine gallop, but McAnally noticed he wasn’t moving quite right. He appeared to be fine back at the barn, but shortly after McAnally left at around 10:15, assistant Eduardo Inda discovered the gelding was noticeably off in his left foreleg. He called veterinarian Dr. Jack Robbins to look at him and Robbins could feel sensitivity in the leg. McAnally was summoned to the barn and a set of X-rays were taken. Del Mar had its own clinic and it was much more thorough having X-rays taken there than on a portable machine in the stall. McAnally and Robbins realized that if anyone saw John Henry going in for X-rays 10 days before the Arlington Million it would create quite a stir, so they registered him under a different name. Robbins felt it could have been the beginning of a fractured cannon bone, and as McAnally said, “We wanted to avoid a panic.”
The X-rays came up negative, so Robbins, feeling it might be a ligament, suggested they inject the ligament with cortisone. The following morning John was walking perfectly and the sensitivity was gone. McAnally took it slow with John over the next two days to see how the leg was progressing. He continued to improve with no sign that there ever was an injury.
But with the Million now only a week away, John needed to have a strong work to sharpen him up and see how the leg would stand up under pressure. McAnally worked him on dirt with Bill Shoemaker, who was replacing regular rider Laffit Pincay, aboard. Owner Sam Rubin felt Pincay had snubbed him the last time the two met and told McAnally to get a new rider. John Henry turned in a sensational work and all systems were go.
A few days after being given a clean bill of health John departed for Arlington Park along with stablemate Super Moment. NBC had been contracted to televise the race, which was getting tremendous media coverage, both nationally and internationally. Arlington was a neutral site that would not favor New York or California horses and would provide a lucrative purse to attract 10-furlong horses from Europe. Coming from across the Atlantic were Argument, runner-up in the previous year’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and the 1980 and ’81 winners of the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) Mrs. Penny and Madam Gay. The latter had also finished second in the ’81 English Oaks.
The leading American contenders in addition to John Henry and the hard-knocking Super Moment were Key to Content, winner of the United Nations Handicap, the local favorite Rossi Gold, winner of three stakes at the Arlington meeting, and Charlie Whittingham’s classy mare Kilijaro, winner of 12 stakes, including Grade and Group 1 victories in the U.S., France, and Ireland. Also coming from California was The Bart, basically a Grade 3 horse who had come to the U.S. after winning the Royal Whip Stakes and Ulster Harp Derby in Ireland.
All McAnally wanted was a firm turf course and a good post position so there would be no excuses. On the day entries were drawn, McAnally and his wife Debbie, who were still in California, had just finished packing their bags and were about to leave for the airport when they received a phone call from a good friend, Bill Kolberg, a publicist for Santa Anita and Del Mar.
“Ron, I’m calling from Chicago,” he said. “I’ve got news for you. It’s pouring rain and John drew post 12.”
“Thanks a lot,” a disgusted McAnally said. It would now be a long flight to Chicago. McAnally had always avoided running John on very bad turf courses, which were rare in California. But there was no avoiding this one, especially with the whole world watching and a possible Horse of the Year title on the line.
When McAnally arrived his worst fears were realized. The course was extremely soft and John was going to have to work out a trip from the far outside post.
Arlington had surrounded the race with a great deal of pageantry, including parties, black-tie affairs, steeplechase races, show jumping in the infield, Lippinzaner stallions, and the playing of the American, English, French, and Irish national anthems.
The McAnallys and the Rubins made their way up to their box and waited. Lefty Nickerson showed up from New York, and even Bubba Snowden came to see his old friend make history. Groom Jose Mercado and exercise rider Lewis Cenicola found a spot by the rail, right on the finish line.
At the start, Shoemaker allowed John to get in stride over the soft going, which was very testing, and then slowly worked his way into position from the far outside. He was able to get him to the inside, settling in eighth position. On the front end, Key to Content was being pressed by 40-1 shot The Bart, trained by John Sullivan and ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye.
As they came by the stands, around the turn, and headed into the backstretch, McAnally knew John was in trouble. He didn’t say anything to the Rubins, but he could tell watching John’s head that there was no rhythm to his stride. When John got into his rhythm his head would move up and down in perfect cadence with his stride. Shoemaker also could tell that John wasn’t handling the course and he decided to just leave him alone, just gently nudging him along.
As the field approached the half-mile pole, a rush came over McAnally. 
He could see that familiar head bob. John finally was beginning to find his rhythm, as those smooth daisy-cutting strides began to reappear. But as they neared the head of the stretch he still had six lengths to make up on The Bart, who surprisingly had gotten the better of Key to Content and kicked for home with the lead. John was relentless as he came charging down the stretch, with the crowd cheering him on. But The Bart still had a lot left and John had to dig down for everything he had. It was going to be close and John was running out of ground. Both horses gave one final lunge, and although John’s head was coming down at the wire it still was too close to call. The angle of the NBC camera seemed to indicate The Bart had held on.
Delahoussaye thought John had just nipped him, but as they were pulling up, Shoemaker yelled over to him, “I think you beat me.” Rubin felt it was a dead-heat, but then he heard people around him calling The Bart the winner. Cenicola, standing right on the finish line, felt John had gotten his head down in time.
Because it looked as if The Bart had won on the NBC camera angle they posted The Bart as the unofficial winner, much to the dismay of those watching on TV. The Bart’s owner Franklin Groves, and his wife, thought they had won and rushed down to the winner’s circle. Rubin, fearing an uncomfortable situation, decided to remain in his box until it became official.
Finally, the suspense was over, as John Henry’s number went up, much to the shock and embarrassment of NBC. As the McAnallys and the Rubins made their way down to the winner’s circle thy saw The Bart’s owners coming back. “When I saw them crying it took all the guts out of me,” Rubin said. “I could see how badly they felt.”
There also were tears shed for two courageous Thoroughbreds who had just pushed themselves to the limit. John Henry had shown what champions are made of, and the Arlington Million was on its way to becoming one of the world’s most prestigious events. Edwin Bogucki’s dramatic statue was unveiled eight years later, showing John Henry and The Bart fully outstretched reaching for the wire. To commemorate the occasion, the then 14-year-old John Henry and 13-year-old The Bart were paraded in front of the stands in a heartwarming tribute to two gallant horses.
The Bart showed the following year why his performance at Arlington was no fluke, as he scored Grade 1 victories in the Hialeah Turf Cup and Century Handicap.
At the 1981 Eclipse Awards ceremonies John Henry accounted for a remarkable seven awards: Horse of the Year, champion grass horse, champion older horse, leading owner for Sam Rubin, leading trainer for Ron McAnally, leading jockey for Bill Shoemaker, and leading breeder for Golden Chance Farm, who had originally sold John for $1,100.
John Henry was now a true superstar. But it was far from over. Immortality still awaited him. John, despite his ornery disposition and humble beginnings, would go on to become one of the most beloved horses of all time whose incredible success was achieved “against all odds.”
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Just read that Golden Gate Fields is being permanently closed at the end of this year. I am heartsick!
Yep. I read the same. Sad. In fact, this article’s horse spotlight horse, John Henry, set a track record in winning the Golden Gate Handicap years ago. Even the great Citation ran here.
This follows track closures on the west coast from Aqua Caliente to Fairplex (Pomona), Holly Park (Hollywood), several fair circuit tracks in central and northern California, Portland Meadows, Yakima Meadows, Playfair (Spokane), Longacres and of course Bay Meadows.
Sad indeed.
I did not realize how many races Funny Cide ran, I thought he had been retired not long after his three year old season…I saw him in the walking ring, at the 2003 Breeders Cup, where older horses Pleasantly Perfect, Madaglia ‘d’ Oro, Congaree dominated…the geldings were my favorites….Ancient Title was the first Thoroughbred I loved, and I also loved “‘Ol Number Ten”, (Forego), and John Henry…and Best Pal…Lava Man…..someone asked me if I could see any Thoroughbred that ever ran, whom would I choose….and I answered Exterminator, “Old Bones”, with his large triangle marking….Exterminator won 50 out of 100 starts, he raced too long or else his record would have been better,
That’s something that has not changed, geldings, and their long racing careers….they brought Exterminator back for celebrations, time and again with his best pal Peanuts, the tiny pony….they brought back Silky Sullivan many times….they brought back Chinook Pass often….it’s the geldings that endure, in racing lore….I’d love to go see Lava Man!….Native Diver only lived to be eight—but he was buried at Hollywood Park, then they moved his remains to Del Mar—the geldings endure, and a Mew York bred gelding named Funny Cide won The Derby….and to prove that was no fluke he won The Preakness by from here to across a four lane street..
I was sorry to read just now of the passing of Funny Cide at age 23–another terrific gelding. I’m grateful that I got to see him at the Kentucky Horse Park four years ago.
In rhe fall of 2002, i was at Delaware Park on the day the Champagne was being run at Belmont. As i was preparing to watch the Champagne on a paddock tv, an older gentleman asked to see my racing form for Belmont. He explained that he had a two year old who would be competing with these horses next year. I later realized that i had been speaking with Barclay Tagg, and his horse was Funny Cide, who at that point had been dominating new york breds. The rest is history. Sorry Funny Cide didn’t have a few more years. He meant a lot to many people.
Great story, Todd. Thanks for sharing it.
“The rest is history,” indeed! Thanks for sharing this.
Todd, if ever there was an ‘omen bet’ that was it. Did you put some money on Funny Cide in the Kentucky Derby?
That’s the worst part of racing, you tend to outlive your beloved heroes.
Unfortunately i did not bet Funny Cide. Can’t remember who i settled on. But Barclay Tagg is among the last of the old time trainers, and it was great to see him get the Belmont and Travers with Tis the Law. He must be in his 90s now, but he and Robin Smullen still have some decent horses.
Sorry. He’s just 85.
Bob Baffert is 70 years old now, I remember when he had a baby face. Lol.
That is a wonderful story. It was an honor to be able to share your Racing Form with Barclay Tagg, whom I admire a great deal. If I had a horse, he’s the person I would want to train him. I too was saddened by the death of Funny Cide, a favorite of mine. I’m rereading his biography, and his story is delighting me all over again. I always remembered what one of his owners said when he lost the Belmont after winning the Derby and Preakness. When everyone else was devastated, he said, “If anyone had told us two months ago that we would finish third in the Belmont Stakes, we would have thought that was the greatest thing that could ever happen.” Funny Cide and his people will not be forgotten.
Pretty rare, for a Cal-bred winning a Saratoga Stakes…Ancient Title won The Whitney, in 1975 ….Not sure of any others, I think a Cal-bred may have won The Test…but nor certain about that….
Gold Sweep did well to salvage second in the Sanford Stakes today at Saratoga after his stumble at the start. It was the first victory for winner Yo Yo Candy’s trainer, Daniel Velasquez, at the Spa, according to DRF. Call the Cavalry, who was vanned off after finishing fifth, appeared to be fine after cooling out. Whew, and fingers crossed that he’s fine.
Congrats to the California bred Yo Yo Candy for winning the Sanford Stakes for two year olds at Saratoga, New York today..
Arrr! Pirate steals his debut race at the Spa. Sire, Omaha Beach. Half-brother, National Treasure. Who knows?
Already on my list of this year’s 2YOs, Roy. An impressive performance, fighting off several challengers and winning by 3.
Take a look at the 2 year old Justify colt, City of Troy, winning the Superlative Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. It’s available on YouTube. Aidan O’Brien used quite a few superlatives in describing the colt!! Lol.
City of Troy is favorite for the 2,000 Guineas and Epsom Derby for next year already.
And I thought I was jumping the gun!
Davids: Just watched the race. That was quite impressive. He really pulled away at the end. And love the blond (?) hairs in his tail!
Yes, Ms Blacktype, it’s a bit premature thinking of next year’s Classic races but I can’t remember Aidan O’Brien being that enthusiastic about a 2 year old.
Mind you, City of Troy couldn’t have been more impressive but it’s way too early to think about next year. Summer dreaming?
Wow!
Thanks Steve for bringing back the racing memories. Together with Affirmed-Alydar and Personal Ensign’s Breeder’s Cup, John Henry’s Arlington Million had me jumping up and down and screaming at the TV. I don’t recall another race which moved me to tears until American Pharoah’s Belmont in 2015. I was privileged to see John Henry at the Kentucky Horse Park. He was something else.
Just a bit of trivia.
In 2012 Wise Dan was the first gelding since John Henry to sweep HOY, Older Male Horse and Male Turf Eclipse Awards.
Kotashaan was HOY and Turf Eclipse winner, in 1993 (I think)…Mandella fashioned a terrific season for him, capped with The Breeders Cup Turf, over one of the best US turf fields ever assembled, he was then sold, to Japanese interests…they decided to race in the Japan Cup, and decided to keep his regular jockey Kent Desormeaux, a great rider, alas he misjudged the finish line and finished 2nd….
Kotashaan defeated Bien Bien, France, Hatoof, Opera House, Hernando in the BC Turf!..
Fraise!
Kotashaan was a stallion and there was little interest in a stallion deal for him in the US even with his success. After the BC he was acquired by the Japanese amd his last race was in Japan as you mentioned under the Japanese syndicate ownership. He found limited success as a sire in Japan with around 25% winners. He was later sold to England and used as a National Hunt sire.
Wise Dan and John Henry were geldings and won HOY, Older Male and Male Turf Eclipse awards.
Mr Fink gelded Wise Dan because of his “plebian pedigree” and not think he would amount much as a stallion.
Owners these days rarely geld colts in the off chance they are successful on the track they can make more money off the colt with even a less than lucrative stallion deal. And as Steve mentioned below, most horses, especially the stallions have multiple owners and have become hedge funds.
Most owners today are not true sportsmen/women like Mr Fink and others in the past.
Do not know about all trainers but one, Bob Baffert continues to make money off colts he has trained when they go to stud as do some jockeys.
Some owners have just racing rights and are not interested in stud deals and would want the horse to continue racing.
Yes, insurance premiums for both health care and life insurance are very high for racehorses but they are also very high for other non racing horses as well. These stud farms do carry health and life insurance on these stallions and they both carry high premiums as well based on the value of the stallion. The value of a breeding stallion does depreciate with age and upon his death or being euthanized the pay out is much less than the original value assigned to the stallion. The prices that are brought at auction for these stallions with these through the roof stud fees results in the necessity of creating these multi owner partnerships.
Only the very wealthy like Mr Zedan can afford to pay over one million dollars for a racing prospect. He of course assumes all of the liability and the risk whereas the partnerships spread out the risk and liabilities. This another major change in horse racing from 30 years ago or so and that I think has weakened it.
From what I’ve heard, gelding actually makes many horses sounder and easier to keep fit (less weight from stallion crest on those weak front legs), not to mention more manageable. It’s a shame fewer colts are gelded now, if what you say is true, because now you have more stallion prospects of questionable going to stud. Geldings can still break down, like Wild on Ice, but it’s no accident that horse was the result of a duplication of Icecapeade, Ruffian’s half-brother who was also so crazy that his breeder/owner got rid of him and went on to sire Izvestia, who won Canada’s Triple Crown before he broke down like Ruffian.
Gold Sweep, by Speightstown, out of a Giant’s Causeway mare, should have an easy time of it in the G3 Sanford Stakes, at Saratoga, on Saturday. This promising 2yr. colt, trained by Steve Asmussen, will have Jose Ortiz back in the saddle after winning the Tremont Stakes, by 9 lengths, in 1:03.47, under a hand ride.
Gold Sweep is certainly worth watching moving forward.
Thank you Steve. Reading this was just like being there.
Happy you feel that way, but I dont think I’ll b focusing on historical columns as much. Between here and Facebook there is little interest by the younger generation. I try to bring them back to a time they seem to be unaware of and expose them to the old-time greats
Wish there was more participation on this topic by younger fans.
Steve,
I for one enjoy you historical columns , especially ones like this. I was hoping with the upcoming Haskell and Jim Dandy you could dig into your Treasure Chest of memories and pick out a couple of jewels for each one of those races. With the way these 2 two races are shaping up and way the upcoming Traversl is shaping up it maybe one of the most competitive ever. Baffert is putting a pretty solid base on Arabian Knight with 3 straight 7 furlong works and a good 6 furlong before that. He is also working out regularly Arabian Lion. Not sure which race he is targeting for either but my hunch is Arabian Knight for the Haskell, and maybe the Jim Dandy for Arabian Lion He just is loaded with a 3 year old contingent Andl with other top 3 year olds , Forte, Mage Arcangelo , Tapit Thrice , targeting these races we could see some real battles.
Steve we love your work and just keep on bringing them on.
Baffert worked Arabian Knight today 6 furlongs in 1:11 flat…… SMOKIN” !!!!
Thank you, Steve for resurrecting another of your in-depth histories of a great horse. Without you many new fans would have little contact to past heroes. There aren’t that many books around on past champions, or new ones for that matter which is unfortunate. Memories fade.
Interesting reading the 1981 Eclipse Award winners; Flightline and his connections probably would have won the same awards, bar champion grass horse, as John Henry did, had he been around then. Nowadays, the human Eclipse Awards go to the those who have made the most money per annum. Life changes.
Back then most horses had one owner. Now we;re talking about 5 or 6 owners for one horse. There is no owner identity anymore. It’s the hedge fund era.
It is the hedge fund era….but unlike the olden times (see how I incorporated a horse into the post!) racing horses has become a for-profit venture…like hedge funds..
The era of the true sportsmen is gone.
Yes Steve, for the most part. Sad.
Sad but true.
Matthew, the ‘shared interest’ hedge fund owners affect the breeders returns as well. Instead of a couple competing with each other for the same yearling etc the ‘former competitors’ in a group buy the horse at a much cheaper price.
The Whisper Hill, Summer Wind, et al owner/breeder/racer/consigned are extremely rare these days.
I guess i’ve accepted that, for the most part, trying to impart the things that have meant so much to me onto others has been mostly a fool’s errand. And that’s ok; i was probably blind to the past when i was younger. Having said that, growing up in the 70s, i probably caught the tail end of the best times, not just in racing, but life in general. My parents, growing up in the 50s, hit the bullseye for American life. And i am appreciative for the things i’ve experienced, and that’s enough.
Same here Todd.
You’re right, Steve. How many horses would Madikat Stables have a part interest in? There are the Phipps’ horses but they are not the influence they once were. It’s all about sharing the overall costs around.
In Europe, Coolmore, Godolphine and Juddmonte dominate but there are more single ownerships: Aga Khan et al but they are not the hand to mouth general public. In Australia, you frequently get the ‘little man/women’ one horse operation which fans wish to win more often. That’s why the Melbourne Cup is such an institution basically anyone can win it.
I have no familiarity with Australian racing, Davids, but your characterizations of it are always compelling. The horse seems to have a broader base of interest, as well as providing a source of national or regional pride. Our Kentucky Derby coverage unfortunately often becomes about celebrity and mint juleps.
Todd, the Kentucky Derby coverage used to be much more about the horse in the 70s and 80s, early 90s with the rise of personalities, product promotion etc coming in the late 90s to what you have now.
The USA TV presentation you receive now for the Triple Crown series, Breeders’ Cup is basically the same formula utilized for the Melbourne Spring Carnival (Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate etcJ which started in Australia in the mid-90s. Australian racing was in a slump for a decade from the late 80s to the early 90s until the new formula was introduced and now it’s massively successful.
The formula was deliberately aimed to attract the female viewer at home. Who ruled the remote control at home – the lady of the house. Fashions on the field, interviewing TV personalities on that station, restaurant meals, interviewing Marquee crowds replaced chatting to trainers and jockeys. Accordingly, the advertising followed the style of program presentations.
Where USA and Australia differ is that horse racing is in ‘the blood’ in Australia at a very young age. I remember when we first visited Australia being given a horse in a Melbourne Cup Sweep during class. The teacher actually discussing the horses prospects during class. This is grade school. The kids know the horses, the corner shop owner know the horses, the teachers know the horses, politicians know the horses, religious leaders know the horse, every strata in society know the horse.
When a big race is on it’s very common for a stranger/passer by etc to ask you “who do think is going to win ‘the cup’ etc with a cordial “thanks mate” for giving your opinion. They know the trainers, jockeys of horses like they know their favourite Australian Rules footballer. Sports mad here in Melbourne. They bet a lot as well. Haha
Europe is somewhat similar to Australia but it’s all about betting in Europe with steeplechasers being more popular than flat runners. They adore their favorites like part of the family.
Davids even I was in 7th grade (1970)……teacher brought a bunch of Aussie newspapers, (remember newspapers?)….the first page of the sports section had over 10 pictures of various feature races, from all around the country!..
Baghdad Note won ‘the cup’ in 1970. My favorite Australian horse at the time was Royal Show. Royal Show and Baghdad Note had dead heated for third in the Caulfield Cup a few weeks earlier. Royal Show didn’t run in the Melbourne Cup.
I can still name about a dozen prominent Australian 3 year olds of 1970 but Royal Show was the beloved.
What a great story. Thank you. So now when we visit Saratoga the statues will be more meaningful. Just finished Jimmy Breslin’s book on Sunny Jim. He raced Seabiscuit 35 times as a 2 year old. Then he was sold. I think about how many TB never get the chance to be superstars?
I seem to remember an abortive comeback attempt a year or 2 after retirement, or maybe it was just wishful thinking?
No you are correct. Thatscin my book. Most people dont remember that.
If memory serves correct I think they had Ol John training for the 1985 American Hcp at 9 furlongs turf, and one week out he worked one mile on turf in 1:34 flat….but injured a tendon…
I’m almost certain John Henry’s first race in SoCal was the 1978 Volante, and he finished 2nd, after setting the pace….early in his career Ol John set the pace.
Just now had time to sit down and fully enjoy this piece, which I did. I loved reading the backstory on all John’s connections, especially those with humble beginnings!
I too would love to see a piece on Dark Mirage. She preceded Secretariat so she can’t be a descendant, but they both have Princequillo — another hard-knocking horse who fortunately was not gelded — in their pedigrees. Wonder if both inherited the large heart gene from him? Princequillo is supposedly a carrier.
One point I forgot to mention Steve, I you know it. He’s the epitome for the theory of Racing to Train. What a foundation he laid between ages 2 thru 4. You had to fall in love with him, his name was always in the Racing Form entries and results.
Evertime I read one of your posts describing a horse race, I feel like I am at the track experiencing the race live.
I also thought that The Bart had won the race. Easy to see why NBC declared him the winner. Watching a race on TV is not foll proof. Too many angels to see & to know exactly where the finish line is.
I think many folks bonded with John because like me & others he was a late bloomer.
Thank you Steve, I sure enjoyed this Monday treat.
p.s. I am still waiting for that piece I am hoping you will write on Dark Mirage. Sure loved that little filly.
No rush, I know you are a busy man……..
Thank you Deacon. I’m looking for something to tie that into. Hopefully I can get to that in the near future.
Thanks for the beautiful story about John Henry, who could not have been given a more perfect name. Horse racing was the most popular sport in America, and John Henry captured the public imagination.
The Steel Drivin’ horse.
The announcement of the move of this statue send me back to your Horse Racing Legends book on John Henry. So happy to see you revisit the battle in this piece.
When we walked up to John’s stall at the Horse Park in 2000, my daughter looked at me and said, “You’re crying!”
Of course I was. It was John.
That’s great!
John Henry also won The Arlington Million in 1984, and in 1983, age eight—Tolomeo rode the rail to victory, Ol John could not see him in time, being screened by Nijinky’s Secret, John did not like to lose! …
I was living in Salem, Oregon, and went out to an industrial building, for some reason….and there in the lobby was a picture of Arlington Park’s enormous tent they erected, after the fire….this was 1986, they constructed the tent for the 1985 Million—made in Salem Oregon!..
The full broadcast of that inaugural Arlington Million is out there, complete with the NBC showing The Bart as winner…and a bizarre back and forth of the British commentator and Madam Gay’s trainer, concerning Lester Piggot’s 6 lb overage….The Bart was a pretty good horse, but Shoe put up a ride, on ‘ol John! Starting on the turn the outside draw was not good….but John Henry had arrived!—At SIX YEARS OLD John was on top! He stayed on top like he stayed on the track..
Loooved this story, Steve! I never knew about Phil Marino’s backstory and about Ron McAnally having spent time in an orphanage. I grew up near Arlington Park, and the only thing that kept me from being there for the first Million was that it was my first day of college! After we got my stuff moved into my dorm room, my mom and I watched the race from there, on my 13″ TV. Needless to say, I was at the track in person for the next four Millions, including John Henry’s repeat triumph in ’84 and the Miracle Million in ’85. Thanks for taking us back to a special race and a special time, when all eyes were on my beloved Arlington.
Gad it brought back memories. Thank you for sharing.
As usual, Steve, a wonderful story. I could visualize the race and its thrilling finish as I read your description of it.
Thank you Jerre.
Thank you Steve I feel young again. What can I say, I had a love affair with him. It in started 78 with the Lamplighter at Monmouth little did I know what had begun and how far we had to go. 79 at Atlantic City after that anytime he came east I tried to be there especially the Meadowlands for his last run in 84. Younger fans don’t know what they missed, just a page in the sports lore, myth, legend. When he ran he elevated himself to greatness and in doing so he elevated us because we were there!
Beautifullly said, Derek. Thank you
Steve,
All I can say is you nailed it again !!! What a great insight into one of horse racings greatest races. I was a big fan of John Henry it was this race that made me a bigger fan (Also “The Bart’s to) of his. He along with horse like Native Diver , George Royal, Kelso, and Forego … etc , I labeled them as “Hero horses” for the heroics they performed in their races. The thing I most remember about John Henry ( and you do not see this in too many horse ) is that he knew he was in a race. He was so competitive and I knew when he came to the top of the stretch and he had those ears pinned back it going to take a better horse ( there weren’t to many that could) to beat him that day . Steve once again thanks for the stroll down memory lane. Stories like this just make my day. Have a great week !!!
I really appreciate it. Thank you! Glad I was able to provide some great mmories.
Thank you for writing this article. I’m a big fan of John Henry and I had been worried about what was going to happen with this statue. It is a piece of history and it’s fitting that it should have a new home where horse racing is commemorated.
Thank you, thank you, thank you: did not see/meet John Henry until visiting the Kentucky Horse Park (was to have been a day visit while on my way east) and one week later I finally headed on my way. Daily visits to see John Henry, one of my most treasured experiences. Did not even know of John Henry – but I sure fell in love with the Thoroughbred horse because of him – and look what I’m doing now. Thank you for this writing. You are the best Mr. Haskin
Thank you very much, Ruth.