Santa Anita Park: We are pleased to announce that the legendary Hall of Fame gelding, John Henry, will be immortalized for generations of racegoers to come as a life-sized bronze statue of him will be unveiled by his long-time Hall of Fame trainer, Ron McAnally, in Santa Anita’s picturesque Paddock Gardens on opening day, Saturday, Dec. 26, of Santa Anita’s 75th winter/spring meet.
I am so looking forward to this long awaited day! His face is beautiful - Nina Kaiser gave him a soft eye, just like he was in real life. I will never forget his amazing eyes! They looked into your soul...
It's too bad they are not sure what day the statue will be unveiled. Not possible to make any travel plans from clear across the country to try and get there, especially in the middle of the Christmas holiday. It is terrible planning on someones part. We really wanted to be there and meet all your friends when they honor you. Mary and Bob
Nina Kaiser, the sculptor of the John Henry statue, not only captured his likeness, but also John's irrepressible spirit and oft-times rough character. There are unconfirmed reports that a number of foundry workers suffered bites, bruises and contusions while casting and finishing the statue. The riggers and ironworkers who erected the statue at SA heard those stories and demanded extra hazardous duty pay. LOL
Here is a video of the statue being uloaded and how funny is it that the shadowroll is the only thing you can really really make out.....I've always wondered what went through a jockeys mind when he looked over his shoulder and saw that white shadowroll getting closer and closer.....Tim
The famous shadow roll... yes, many horses, and jockeys, had their hearts drop when that shadow roll "rolled" up next to them because they knew what was about to happen next... and down the stretch they come... John Henry!
I thought the same thing: the only outline you can make out is 'THE' shadow roll.
Tomorrow is the big day at Santa Anita! The unveiling of your life size statue... it's going to be FABULOUS!
They are also saying good-bye to your "baby" sister - Queen Zenyatta. She reminds me so much of you. She loves the crowd and she loves the camera. She is the current People's Horse, just as you were back in the 1980s.
I get to meet Nina Kaiser who did you in bronze. I am so excited, since she used some of my photos I had of you...
13 comments:
Santa Anita Park: We are pleased to announce that the legendary Hall of Fame gelding, John Henry, will be immortalized for generations of racegoers to come as a life-sized bronze statue of him will be unveiled by his long-time Hall of Fame trainer, Ron McAnally, in Santa Anita’s picturesque Paddock Gardens on opening day, Saturday, Dec. 26, of Santa Anita’s 75th winter/spring meet.
I am so looking forward to this long awaited day! His face is beautiful - Nina Kaiser gave him a soft eye, just like he was in real life. I will never forget his amazing eyes! They looked into your soul...
Judy G
Burbank, CA
Thanks Judy!
John K
John~John,
Okay, you need to get the fires under Santa Anita race track! They are on the fence as to the date of your statue unveiling!
Indecisive?? Not anything like you, huh? I know if you were here, you'd give someone a good swift kick!! :-)
Judy G
Burbank, CA
It's too bad they are not sure what day the statue will be unveiled. Not possible to make any travel plans from clear across the country to try and get there, especially in the middle of the Christmas holiday. It is terrible planning on someones part. We really wanted to be there and meet all your friends when they honor you.
Mary and Bob
NEWS FLASH!
Santa Anita has committed to December 26th!
I imagine the track received complaints from your fans, John!
So to anyone reading this - mark your calendar for Opening Day, December 26th. Hopefully, it will appear on a TV station.
Judy G
Burbank, CA
Nina Kaiser, the sculptor of the John Henry statue, not only captured his likeness, but also John's irrepressible spirit and oft-times rough character. There are unconfirmed reports that a number of foundry workers suffered bites, bruises and contusions while casting and finishing the statue. The riggers and ironworkers who erected the statue at SA heard those stories and demanded extra hazardous duty pay. LOL
BobCinPA
Hi Bob,
You are a true poet!
Thanks for stopping by John's blog!
John K
A MUST READ:
http://hovdeyblog.drf.com/hovdeyblo
g/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9ZRXknea8E
Here is a video of the statue being uloaded and how funny is it that the shadowroll is the only thing you can really really make out.....I've always wondered what went through a jockeys mind when he looked over his shoulder and saw that white shadowroll getting closer and closer.....Tim
The famous shadow roll... yes, many horses, and jockeys, had their hearts drop when that shadow roll "rolled" up next to them because they knew what was about to happen next... and down the stretch they come... John Henry!
I thought the same thing: the only outline you can make out is 'THE' shadow roll.
Judy
Burbank, CA
December 25, 2009
John Henry~
Merry Christmas!
Tomorrow is the big day at Santa Anita! The unveiling of your life size statue... it's going to be FABULOUS!
They are also saying good-bye to your "baby" sister - Queen Zenyatta. She reminds me so much of you. She loves the crowd and she loves the camera. She is the current People's Horse, just as you were back in the 1980s.
I get to meet Nina Kaiser who did you in bronze. I am so excited, since she used some of my photos I had of you...
I love you, John, and I always will. XOXOXO
Judy G
Burbank, CA
John your statue is INCREDIBLE! Nina Kaiser captured your BEAUTY!
I had tears of joy when Ron McAnally unveiled you for your adoring fans at Santa Anita. WOW!
I have some pictures to share on your blog when I get a chance, but for now I needed to post how very happy I am.
WELCOME HOME, John Henry, welcome home! XOXO
Judy G
Burbank, CA
John~
Just wanted to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Please help Kip Deville get better as soon as possible. Don't let him suffer.
I want Lava Man to retire in 2010 ASAP!!
Love,
Judy G
Burbank, CA
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