Thoughts from Verna Lehmann - Breeder of John Henry

I asked Verna Lehmann, John Henry's breeder, if she would say a few words about him. Verna cordially agreed, and this is what she had to say:

"Until I took John Henry's registration pictures, did I know how rebellious he was. Even though three veterinarians suggested we sell him as he was 'back in the knees,' and would never race. How little we knew what his future would be.

The way he maneuvered around as I snapped photos of him, I should have had an inkling his knees were not going to stop him from racing. He ran the fields as he was boss of all out there, and the others tried to stay their distance. He later proved he had what it took to WIN, and be the 'Greatest'."

Verna M. Lehmann
of Golden Chance Farm
1965-1990 then owner with late husband Robert E. Lehmann

Comments from Jean Callaway

I asked Jean Callaway to write a few words about John, and she graciously agreed. Jean said:

"When John was young, it was constantly said that "He will never make it". After all he was small and had bad confirmation, back at the knees. Now at the age of 32 after becoming the first horse in the world to earn $6,500,000, he has proven them wrong. It took a lifetime, but he did it."

Jean Callaway

John Henry Documentary - Update from Christian Koby

Hey everyone!

I am so pleased to be a part of this great new site. Thanks Dr. John! I'd also like to announce that a new and long overdue cinematic John Henry tribute is currently in the works. My name is Christian Koby, Co-Director to "John Henry: An American Hero" a full length documentary film dedicated to, That's right! Racings' Grand Old Man himself, John Henry. Together, with my directing partner Cameron Duddy and Producer Rebecca Gebhard, we have spent the past several months traveling back and forth from Kentucky, New York, California and many places in between capturing John Henry's story, investigating why he is so universally loved, and pinpointing what makes him such a sensation whether it be on the track or in our lives. John's life and career is legendary!

Our goal is not only to portray that; but to relive John's many accomplishments and struggles from the personal experiences of the men and women who were there with him by his side. Through the words of Verna Lehmann, Ron McAnally, Chris McCarron, and the many other owners, trainers, and jockeys involved throughout his life, we have pieced together the arduous journey that secured John's legacy as history's greatest rags to riches phenomenon. We explore the scientific, spiritual and biological theories to John's "freak of nature" cardiovascular system and ornery behavior.

We attended his 32nd birthday, the first ever John Henry Day at Santa Anita Race Track, talked to many of his super fans, including our own Dr. John, and recorded examples of how deep John has enriched their lives proving to us that he still has the power to inspire after twenty two years of retirement. John's story did not end when he retired to the KY Horse Park in 1985, but continued to beat the odds even up to this day. It's such a great story with a message that relates to the young and old, horse fan or not, and I can't tell you how happy we are to be a part of it. We've met and shared with so many great people and I hope we can continue to do so utilizing this site. I can't wait to share the movie with everyone and hope you look forward to seeing it. Please feel free to comment, or ask questions concerning our upcoming Documentary "John Henry: An American Hero", and my team or I will gladly reply, or check out these sites to read more about it.

Thank You,

Christian Koby, Co-Director, John Henry: An American Hero

http://www.movieweb.com/news/38/18338.php
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117961021.html?categoryid=13&cs=1
http://www.cinematical.com/2007/03/14/documentary-in-the-works-for-horseracing-legend-john-henry/

Post Your Favorite John Henry Story Here

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