Here is a photo of our passed champion taken in 2002. In August, Kentucky had a tsunami of heat and poor John Henry began to show real illness. He had a real hard time staying hydrated, though they gave him world class care.He was the last survivor of the power-gelding triumvarate of Kelso, Forego, and John Henry. Kelso was a 5X horse of the year, Forego 3X, and John Henry twice, including being the oldest thoroughbred ever to be distinguished with that honor.
When they decided he was ready to pass, they called his old friend and jockey, Chris McCarron, who came to spend some time with him alone. As Nicholson, KHP park director said, "The manner of his going was very touching. Everybody had a chance to say goodbye. It was a dignified and fitting end. There were lots of tears; a lot of laughter; a lot of hugs and very tender goodbyes with John. He went very peacefully."
Chris stayed with him for a longtime on Monday, but left before the veterinarian arrived because he didn't want to see the end of his good old friend.