JOHN HENRY

COURTESY OF YAHOO SPORTS

Thoroughbred John Henry "hanging in there" despite health scare

September 17, 2007

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Champion thoroughbred John Henry is recovering well after battling dehydration last week, officials at the Kentucky Horse Park said Monday.

The 32-year-old gelding, who won Horse of the Year honors in 1981 and 1984, was treated with intravenous fluids last week when kidney problems prevented him from staying hydrated said Cathy Roby, barn manager at the Park's Hall of Champions.


"He's been hanging in there pretty well," Roby said. "Friday didn't look real prosperous for him making it through the weekend, but he's had a couple real good days in a row."

Roby said much of John Henry's problems are simply a matter of his advanced age. An extended heat wave during August made it difficult for the horse to stay hydrated. He's lost a considerable amount of weight, but Roby said his appetite has returned.

Park spokeswoman Cindy Rullman said there is no long-term prognosis.

"We're just taking it day by day with him," she said.

John Henry won more than two dozen stakes races during his career, including the Arlington Million and the Santa Anita Handicap twice. He retired in 1985 as the richest horse in racing history.