More Photos from Last Weekend

Photos from 9-20-07 thru 9-22-07 description: From the BOTTOM to the TOP. 008 Cathy w/ John peeping out; 039 Lewis Cenicola, unknown, Donna Cenicola; 043 Judy Gadwood, Lewis and Donna Cenicola; 57 Lewis, John, Cathy; 075 Donna Cenicola, Mary Pero(Fla), Robin (HOC,background), Judy Gadwood(Ca), Garnetta Graham(Lex); 094 Barbara and Lewis 097, ???? and John 101; Maryjean Wall(Lex Herald Leader Newspaper) and John; 106, Mary (Simmons?) from Rerun; 123 Cigar (not to be left out); 005 ???? and Lewis, John 007; Lewis and John 032; John Henry 127; John holding Mary Pero hostage for a cookie 135, Mary points out John’s only grey hairs; 013 Garnetta Graham(Lex) and John

Thanks Mary and Bob!

Pictures from the past weekend 9-22 to 9-24

Here are a few pictures from this past weekend.

John Henry Stories

Please Post Your Favorite John Henry Story Here!

Thanks!

Dr. John

John Henry Update September 17, 2007

Hello Everyone,

I just spent the past three days (9-14 to 9-16) with John Henry. He had a good day on both Saturday and Sunday. He was eating just about everything: including hay, carrots, mints, apples, his feed, chocolate muffins, donuts, grass, and Oreo crisps. He was also drinking lots of water. When I left on Sunday at 7 pm, he was in his paddock eating grass. He has the "look" in his eye, and his disposition is "typical John Henry." Please keep up the prayers, positive thoughts, and best wishes! Thanks!

Here are two pics from Sunday.

Dr. John

Update from Cindy at the Kentucky Horse Park

To John Henry’s Loyal Fans:

3:15pm Friday, August 17, 2007

We just wanted to let you know that despite rumors to the contrary, John Henry is doing just fine! He has been receiving fluid therapy this week, which his veterinarian prescribed as a precautionary measure, to make sure he is getting the electrolytes he needs during this record heat wave. His blood work from this morning came back in the normal range and the plan is to discontinue the fluids after today’s dose. He was out for a walk today. He is eating his hay voraciously, and has been all week, although like most animals and people who are outside in this excessive heat, he is not eating as much as usual. Also like most animals and people who are outside right now, he is moving slower than usual and has lost a minor amount of weight from sweating. He receives daily medications for Cushings, which he has been on since he was diagnosed with the disease 1 ½ years ago. He has always exercised himself in the paddock, so it was not necessary to provide additional exercise until recently. I would respectfully suggest that all of us who love John Henry should rejoice that he has been graciously and generously granted 32 years of life and a resurgence of health and vitality, many years beyond his life expectancy. Every day is a gift. Let’s be very grateful and enjoy each moment!

Thank you Cindy for the detailed update! We all appreciate hearing the great news!

Dr. John

John Henry's Restaurant - Tempe AZ

When in the Phoenix AZ area, stop at John Henry's Restaurant. Yes, it is named after our beloved John Henry.

A little bit of history~

Established in August of 1992 by owners John Lake and Neven Bajlo, John Henry's has become the favorite of discerning clientele who truly appreciate exceptional service, excellent fare and fine wines served in a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Decorated in rich green and oak, we feature our namesake, legendary winning racehorse, John Henry, in our spacious split-level main dining room. Intimate candlelit table settings, fresh flowers and discreet but attentive service encourage romance for our diners as they appreciate the musical stylings of entertainer, Jared Howe. The theme continues in our comfortable lounge where our friendly staff serve premium wines, excellent cognacs and single-malt scotches in addtion to the wide selections of beer and spirits. The perfect setting for special occasions and business meetings when only the VERY BEST will do.

Check out their web site:

http://www.johnhenrysrestaurant.com

Thanks!

John

Post Your Favorite JH Story Here

Please post your favorite John Henry story here.

John in the Parade of Breeds

Update from Cindy at the KHP 8-2-07.

"Thought you guys would like to see a photo taken of John Henry yesterday (not 20 years ago), which ought to brighten your day. He decided to make an appearance in the Parade of Breeds (not the Hall of Champions). Now that he is going on excursions around the park, he is a different horse. If I hadn’t watched him walk out of John Henry’s stall yesterday, I’m not sure I would’ve believed it’s the same horse. He looks 10 years younger, at least. I think he is enjoying the blessings of many, many prayers that have been prayed on his behalf. He feels good, looks good, and there is a light in his eyes that hasn’t been there for a long time. He even takes his medication now without hours of bribery." Photo by Steve Faust.

Thanks Cindy and Steve!

John on 7-26-07

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

Feel free to post your favorite John Henry story here.

Pictures from John's 32nd Birthday Party 3-9-07

Comments from Steve Haskin

I asked Steve Haskin, author of the fantastic book, John Henry: Racing's Grand Old Man, if he would write a few words about John. Steve graciously agreed, and his comments follow.

"It's great to see old John with a blog, so people familiar with the horse, and even those who have just read about him, can interact and discuss one of the most amazing horses in history. In writing a book about John Henry, I came to learn how deeply he affected people and just how many lives he touched. So many people had their hands on John, and he always managed to slip through their fingers, as if destined to wind up with Ron McAnally, who, like John, was unwanted as a youngster. It had to be fate that brought these two together, as no one until McAnally was able to provide the kind of atmosphere for John to shed many of the demons that had plagued him in his early days and made him near-impossible to deal with. He remains irrascible to this very day, but McAnally gave him an emotional foundation that allowed him to co-exist with humans.

I can spend all day going over John's remarkable accomplishments and records, but that is what this blog is for. Scientific and psychological studies made of John revealed a horse unlike any other, and it was his uniqueness -- physiologically and mentally -- that made him great. I hope people enjoy sharing their experiences and thoughts about John. One thing about him, he was never dull. I imagine the same will be said of this blog." --- Steve Haskin

John Henry looking out on 6-5-07

Why Are We Here?

It is not about just "a horse;" but about perseverance, dedication, motivation, hard work, and tenacity. It is about John Henry succeeding, winning, setting records, and capturing the hearts and spirit of thousands of fans all across the country for many years. And even now, 22 years after retirement, John still is an inspiration to many. John was not born into thoroughbred racing royalty; but worked, struggled, and fought valiantly for what he earned and accomplished. John Henry’s passion, will, determination and "heart" make him a true champion, and definitely a living legend!

Welcome to the John Henry Blog Site

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to the John Henry Blog site! The purpose of this site is to talk about our favorite thoroughbred, John Henry. Stories, questions, comments are welcome! John Henry recently celebrated his 32nd birthday on March 9, 2007. That is the equivalent of 100+ in human years.

Welcome aboard!

Dr. John