Thank you for taking good care of John Henry and bringing him to his full potential. It was fate that Mr. Sam Rubin bought John and hired you to be his trainer...
You made history and left wonderful memories for generations to come. We will never forget you or John Henry!
John~John I just recently discovered the birthday of your loyal groom, Jose Mercado. He is also a Pisces, born on March 3rd.
I always admired the way you two had a mutual love and respect for each other through the years. A true friendship. You understood each other completely.
July 28, 1985 John Henry ~ On this date you retired from racing. What a bittersweet day it was for racing fans. They were happy you got to finally retire, but sad because they would never see you race again...
Your record earnings of $6,597,947 has yet to be matched by another gelding.
You began your career at age 2 (but raced through 9 years), so your annual income - if I did my match correctly! - was about $942,563 per year. Not to shabby for a horse that was passed around from owner to owner.
Sam & Dorothy Rubin laughed all the way to the bank! :-)
You are missed by so many loving fans, John.
Today, marks the birthday of one of your biggest fans: Bob C from Pennsylvania! He watched your racing career blossom.
John Henry... On 7/28/09 Judy G. wrote... "On this date you retired from racing. What a bittersweet day it was for racing fans. They were happy you got to finally retire, but sad because they would never see you race again..."
True, but many trainers, owners, jockeys and horses breathed a sigh of relief because they wouldn't have to do battle with you anymore. I can't think of a better tribute to your talent and determination. You earned the respect of everybody in the business.
11 comments:
July 4, 1983: John Henry wins the American Handicap at Hollywood Park.
Judy G
Burbank, CA
July 10, 2009
Sending birthday greetings to Joe Keene. Joe wrote "The Ballad of John Henry".
He loved you John! Because of you, he was inspired to write the ballad. He still lives in Missouri.
Happy Birthday Joe Keene!!
Judy G
Burbank, CA
July 11, 2009
Birthday wishes to Ron McAnally.
Thank you for taking good care of John Henry and bringing him to his full potential. It was fate that Mr. Sam Rubin bought John and hired you to be his trainer...
You made history and left wonderful memories for generations to come. We will never forget you or John Henry!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE!
Judy G
Burbank, CA
John~John
I just recently discovered the birthday of your loyal groom, Jose Mercado. He is also a Pisces, born on March 3rd.
I always admired the way you two had a mutual love and respect for each other through the years. A true friendship. You understood each other completely.
John Henry,
On this date in 1984 you won the Sunset Handicap at Hollywood Park with McCarron in the irons.
Congrats to you warrior!
You would go on to win your next three races that year and then retire.
John Henry,
It's your tenacious friend in California.
How's my little boy doing today?
I'm asking you a favor, please. Today my husband, John, is celebrating a birthday. Since he is with you, would you give him a kiss from me?
Let him know I love him very much. I was blessed for having him in my life, even though it was a short 10 1/2 years. I wouldn't change a thing.
If it hadn't been for my John, I would have never known about you John Henry! :-)
I think of both of you every day. It's hard to believe he's been gone 18 years!!
I will sign off for now. I'm being the best person I can, so I can see both of you at RAINBOW BRIDGE.
Love always,
Judy G
Burbank, CA
p.s. I also send my love to my kitties: Jr. Blu, Dusty, Blu Manchu, Sheba Ann, and Damien. XO
John, you are always in our hearts. Thank you for all of the incredible memories. You were and are the GREATEST.
You are greatly missed.
With love & admiration,
Bob & Mary
July 28, 1985
John Henry ~
On this date you retired from racing. What a bittersweet day it was for racing fans. They were happy you got to finally retire, but sad because they would never see you race again...
Your record earnings of $6,597,947 has yet to be matched by another gelding.
You began your career at age 2 (but raced through 9 years), so your annual income - if I did my match correctly! - was about $942,563 per year. Not to shabby for a horse that was passed around from owner to owner.
Sam & Dorothy Rubin laughed all the way to the bank! :-)
You are missed by so many loving fans, John.
Today, marks the birthday of one of your biggest fans: Bob C from Pennsylvania! He watched your racing career blossom.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB!!
Judy G
(Burbank, CA)
JULY 29TH MEMORIES:
1977 - John you were just two years old. When you raced that day you unseated your jockey, L. Munster! OUCH!
According to the DRF, this jockey never rode you again... :-) That will teach him to HOLD ON!
1978 - Age 3. You were in the Grade II Lexington Handicap at Belmont with Angel Santiago in the irons. You ran a "gamely" race and came in 2nd!
At least Angel was able to hang on!
Judy G
(Burbank, CA)
John Henry... On 7/28/09 Judy G. wrote...
"On this date you retired from racing. What a bittersweet day it was for racing fans. They were happy you got to finally retire, but sad because they would never see you race again..."
True, but many trainers, owners, jockeys and horses
breathed a sigh of relief because they wouldn't have to do battle with you anymore. I can't think of a better tribute to your talent and determination. You earned the respect of everybody in the business.
Bob C in PA
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and comments this month!
John K
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