John Henry gets standing ovation
Question
First of all, I have to confess that I'm not an avid racehorse enthusiast. However, as I was through the tv channels many moons ago, I happened upon a horserace in progress, as the horses were being led to the gates. Now I don't know how John Henry got loose, but he did. He proceed to the middle of the track, and stood facing the crowd, as if to say, Yeah that's right, I'm John Henry. The crowd exploded in cheers, applause and a standing ovation. The race was delayed about 5 minutes as a result. It was one of the most amazing and memorable things I've ever seen. I was just giddy with applause and cheers myself. (yeah, I even had tears in my eyes, as I do now reading about John Henry) I'm sure the event has been recorded to video somewhere. Can you tell me where I can find it? At the time it was either John Henry's last race or nearing the end of his career. Thanks
P.S. I抳e searched Youtube, Google, and Dogpile.
Answer
Hi Walter:
Thanks for your question - I distinctly remember the occasion you are speaking of, but for the life of me I can't remember which race at what track or the time. John Henry was a wonderful race horse and he lived to the ripe old age of 32 and I believe he died in 2007 or 2008, but it has not been that long ago. I was at the Arlington Race Track and personally witnessed him winning the Memorial in 1981 - John Henry has his own web site - it is www.johnhenry.com.
I did all of the searches on google and found a lot of good stuff out there about him, but could not come up with the occasion you are looking for.
Sorry, but I will keep looking and if I do come up with it, I will get back to you.
Thanks again for your question - I also got emotional reading about his history.
Jim
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