MONFORD GREER PASSES AWAY
Monford Greer, 59, of Mt. Sterling, Ky., passed away Sat, May 3, 2008 at the St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington. This longtime exhibitor of Roadster Horses and Ponies was a board member of the old Mongtomery County Fair Horse Show.
He was a native of Montgomery County, a member of the Church of God, a tool & die maker at Toyota Manufacturing, a Past President of the Kentucky Association of Fairs and Horse Shows, former Montgomery County Commissioner, a member of the American Road Horse and Pony Association. He had many hobbies, enjoyed his family and friends, and was active in the community. He was to retire in July.
He is survived by his wife, Betsy Browning Greer of Mt. Sterling; a son, Gary (Martha) Greer of Mt. Sterling; brother, Paul Greer of Arizona; sister, Judy Crockett of Mt. Sterling; two grandchildren, Sean and Tyson Greer and a beloved pet, Jane.
Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 at the Taul Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Machpelah Cemetery. Friends may visit Monday evening from 5-9 p.m. Donations suggested to the American Heart Association.
JEFFREY ALAN MAYES PASSES AWAY
Jeffrey Alan Mayes, age 46, formerly of Harrodsburg, Ky., died Thursday, April 10, 2008 at his residence in Piedmont, Ala. He was born Aug. 29, 1961 to the late Glave and Grace Sharp Mayes. A graduate of Harrodsburg High School and had attended Morehead State University.
Jeff loved show horses and hackney ponies, associated with the Junior League Horse Show in Lexington for a number of years. He was an auctioneer. A member of Pioneer Baptist Church and he attended Dailey Street Baptist Church in Piedmont, Ala.
Survivors include his wife Carol Belinda Motes, a son Will Mayes of Tenn., paternal grandmother Mrs. Loraine S. Mayes of Harrodsburg, an aunt Nancy Jenkins of Harrodsburg, one uncle Wm (Bo) Sharp of Lexington and four cousins. One step son Gary Murpy, two step daughters Christal Murphy and Jonie Murphy, 11 step grandchildren and two step great grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services were held April 16 at Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home with Bro. Caleb Penwell officiating. Interment will be in Spring Hill Cemetery with Russell Jenkins, Lonnie Jenkins, Jim Davis, Bo Sharp, Barry Sharp, Lonnie Campbell and Milward Dedman serving as pallbearer.
JULIAN CUNNINGHAM PASSES AWAY
Julian Cunningham, of Owingsville, Ky., passed away Friday morning, April 11, 2008. He was well known in the Roadster horse circle. Born Nov. 20, 1932 in Montgomery County, he was the son of the late J.B. Cunningham and the late Nell Carpenter Cunningham. He was a retired basketball coach and teacher and member of the Gateway Christian Church.
Survivors are his wife Jennette R. Cunningham; One son, Les Cunningham, Mt. Sterling, Ky.; Three daughters, Becky Kelley, Mt. Sterling, Ky., Julie Gomes and Joe, Mt. Sterling, Ky., Susan Cunningham, Jeffersonville, Ind.; Three grandchildren, Bryce Gomes, Brett Kelley, Haley Kelley; One brother, Don Cunningham and Lynette, Elizabethtown, Ky.; Two nieces and two nephews. Preceded in death by one brother, Lou Cunningham. Services at 2 p.m., Monday, April 18, Richie Hunt Funeral Home, Owingsville, Ky. Bro. Glenn Emery and Bro. Gary Boyd officiating. Burial in the Owingsville Cemetery. Visitation was on Sunday at the Bath Co. Middle School, formerly Bath Co. High School. Contributions suggested to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Bluegrass, 1122 Oak Hill Dr. Lexington, KY 40505. Arrangements, Richie Hunt Funeral Home, Owingsville, KY.
H. LEON SARGENT PASSES AWAY
Harry Leon “Sarge” Sargent passed away on March 28, 2008 at his home. He was known to many far and wide as Sarge. He was a pioneer, a thinker, an innovator, a doer and he was great at shooting pictures. He shot stills, portraits and action. He shot at the nation's top events, including shows, conventions and parties.
He grew up in Memphis, Tenn., and graduated from Humes High School. He was a pilot in WWII and Korea, a great jazz drummer and a world-renowned horse photographer. He truly lived life to the fullest.
Photographer Doug Shiflet, who worked with Sarge for a number of years at Louisville, said he opened up a lot of avenues for those photographers coming along. Saying, they owed him a lot.
"Sarge was the greatest Saddle Horse photographer of all time," Shiflet said.
He saw and photographed many people receiving awards over the years as well. He too was awarded a number of times for many things, but as the old saying goes, "the cobbler's son usually goes barefooted." In 2000 Sarge was honored at a special ceremony in center ring at Louisville. It was a special moment for him and his wife Julie, who was always there helping him and running the business.
That famous trademark "Sargent Memphis" meant it had been shot by him, developed and presented to the discerning public. If he did not like the photo, he did not display it for sale. Somehow the word craftsman comes to mind. He was a craftsman of the old school.
Sarge was also very interesting. He knew the people from all walks of life. He was an entertainer, a vocation he could have chosen and certainly done well in.
He was tough – period. But, behind his tough talk and exterior was a good heart. He could be kind, helpful and a good listener. He was old school. Sometimes change comes hard. In some ways it did for him. If he like you and he was your friend, you were in for life. That was the side to be on. Sarge was many things and few people have so many abilities and talents rolled up into one body.
His other talents included building and collecting guns. He was a big game hunter and had the trophies to prove it. They hung in a special room on the walls of the game room. He could also tell the funniest stories and keep you spell bound for hours on end.
Sarge had a good and long life, but finally his body failed him at the passing of 85, in his sleep at his Memphis home. He leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Julie; son Scott Sargent; three grandchildren, Taylor, Alex and Samantha Sargent, all of Memphis; and one brother, Don Sargent of Mississippi.
As he donated his remains to science, there will be no public service, just a private gathering of family and friends. Memorials may be sent to The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County, 935 Farm Rd., Bartlett, TN 38134.
We will continue to have grand shows, top Saddle Horses and super photographers, but there will never be another Sarge. That is the way it is – how do you duplicate greatness?
A more complete review of his life will follow.
ELIZABETH LAMPTON PASSES AWAY
Elizabeth Whitcomb Brown Lampton, of Louisville and Lexington, Ky., wife of horseman and businessman Dinwiddie Lampton, Jr., passed away on March 22, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. She died from tragic injuries received after a coaching accident involving a sociable cart with a four-in-hand of hackney ponies on Friday, March 21 at Elmendorf Farm around 3 p.m. She was born Nov 27, 1933 in Vermont.
She was known for her exhibitions and competitive events at many shows, including the World’s Championship, Indiana and Lexington Junior League. She and her husband, Dinwiddie Lampton, Jr., have lived at Elmendorf Farm in Lexington, Ky., since they were married. They hosted the lovely party at their coach house on the Sunday prior to the Lexington Junior League Show, inviting friends for fellowship and to kick off the show.
Elizabeth loved the world-famous farm, and was looking forward to the 2008 show and coaching season. She was to begin it with a coaching event at the Kentucky Horse Park next month.
She and Dinwiddie enjoyed driving horses around the fields and on the paved roads through the neighboring farms. Competing together in many carriage driving events, they won awards at the Junior League Horse Show, the Shelbyville and Harrodsburg Fairs, and the Kentucky State Fair, as well as many events out-of-state.
Her love of horses came from her father who was a lifelong Standardbred horseman.
Elizabeth and Dinwiddie met at Saratoga when Elizabeth was driving her horse “Saint,” and he a coach and four. She asked him to hold her horse. He did, and thereafter was at her command.
She graduated from the University of Vermont. The state of Vermont crowned her “Miss Vermont,” and she competed for the Miss Universe title. One of the first women to sell Mercedes-Benz, she was voted top salesperson in the country several times from the Park Avenue location. At The Dorchester, she was president of the Condominium Association. She began a robust career as real-estate agent for luxury apartments in New York.
At 57th and Park, in front of the Dorchester, Dinwiddie parked his eighteen-wheeler full of carriage and four horses while she arranged for the Maitre d’ of Chantilly Restaurant to watch the rig during the night before the carriage drive down Park Avenue the nest day.
She won many awards for her horsemanship. At the age of 72 she won the Ladies’ Phaeton Class at the Indiana State Fair with a pair of Hackneys she had trained herself.
She served as a trustee of the American Hackney Horse Foundation, and the Carriage and Coaching Museum of America.
At the time of her death she was in process of restoring Whipton Place Farm for Mr. And Mrs. Lampton’s retirement. Her brother Robert Whitcomb of Essex Junction, Vermont, and her niece, Meg Armstrong, also of Vermont, survive her. Her husband, Dinwiddie Lampton, Jr. deeply mourns her loss.
A memorial service will be held at Elmendorf Farm next to the columns at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. The family will gather for a private burial at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville on Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, for the Carriage Museum. Arrangements under the direction of Pearson’s Funeral Home in Louisville. Kerr Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of Lexington arrangements.
SADDLEBRED WORLD LOSES GIANTS PUGH, BARHAM
The Saddlebred community has lost two renowned horsemen. Both Dale Pugh and Edward C. Barham left behind significant accomplishments; their presence cannot be replaced.
Pugh, who was born on April 10, 1917, died February 11 at the Veteran’s Home in Mexico, Missouri. Pugh served in the United States Navy during World War II, but was mostly known for his long career as a professional horseman.
Pugh began training horses at the Callaway Hills Stable in New Bloomfield in the 60's, and had a hand in training the legendary Will Shriver, who defeated every challenger he showed against for four straight years, according to Rural Missouri Magazine. He was highly respected in the horse training community, and had a large influence on many aspiring trainers in the area.Likewise, “He was known nationally as one of the best trainers of young horses,” according to Mike Roberts and “could take a colt and get started and take it to a horse show and be as successful as anybody else.” For the complete obituary in the Fulton Sun click here.
Additionally, with the death of Edward C. Barham on February 19, 2008, in Indianapolis, IN, another chapter in Saddle Horse history comes to an end. A great showman, trainer, judge, breeder, innovator and show manager, he came from a long line of noted horsemen.
Known for making and showing such champions as the great World’s Grand Champion Nellie Pidgeon, Lady Louise, Lady Babette and Sweet Lavender, the Tennessee-born Barham was associated with establishments including Barham and Son, Leatherwood Farm, Wildwood Farm, and Gregnon Farm before opening his own Edward Barham Stables in Indiana.
Barham was not just a great horseman but also an outstanding horse show manager. While serving as a director of the horse department of the Indiana State Fair, Barham worked diligently to improve the Indiana State Fair Horse Show.
However, it was as a horse show judge that Barham may well be best remembered. With a distinctive style and superb knowledge of the rules, he suffered no fools in “his” show rings. He prided himself on his reputation as a judge who “got down to business” and for whom integrity could never be compromised. He was meticulous in every detail when presenting horses himself and expected no less from those he judged. Over a fifty-year span, Barham judged every major show across the country, including the Kentucky State Fair multiple times. Barham was inducted into the Kentucky State Fair Hall of Fame in 1991, thirty years after his father’s induction, and one hundred years after his grandfather, Wm. C. Barham, helped organize what would become the American Saddlebred Horse Association.
Edward Barham is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra, son Chris and grandsons, Thomas and Nicholas Barham. Visitation is Friday, February 22 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 23, at Flanner and Buchanan in Carmel, Indiana. Those who wish to express online condolences to the family and sign the register may do so by visiting: www.flannerbuchanan.com. For Edward Barham’s obituary in full, click here.
Both families suggest that memorial gifts be sent to The American Saddlebred Museum, 4083 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY, 40511.
DALE PUGH PASSES AWAY
Donald Dale Pugh, 90, of New Bloomfield, Missouri passed away Monday, February 11, 2008 at the Missouri Veteran’s Home in Mexico, Missouri. He was born April 10, 1917 in Nodaway County. He was united in marriage to Glenda A. (Poteet) Pugh who survives at their home.
In addition to his wife, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by one son, Donald Dale Pugh, Jr of Eolia, Missouri; other relatives and many dear friends. His parents, three brothers, and two sisters preceded him in death.
Dale and his wife Glenda were major trainers and exhibitors for many years. He served our country in the United States Navy during World War II.
Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Hopewll Baptist Church in New Bloomfield, Missouri with Rev. Rick Hopkins officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Saddlebred Museum in Lexington, Kentucky or to the charity of the donor’s choice, c/o Maupin Funeral Home, 301 Douglas Blvd., Fulton, Missouri 65251. Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.maupinfuneralhome.com.
RICHARD "DICK" HORN PASSES AWAY
Richard L. “Dick” Horn, 70, of Lexington, Ky., died Sat., Jan. 12, 2008. He was born Sept. 25, 1937 in Louisville, Ky., and was the son of the late T. W. and Hazel Lewis Horn.
Mr. Horn joined the close knit family of Dever, Inc., nearly 11 years ago. He proudly served the needs of the horse community. He was the Special Event Specialist for Dever. Mr. Horn had a passion for horses and animals. He was liked by all people.
He had just returned from the Florida circuit on Wednesday, Jan. 9 and was taken to the hospital on Friday, and then passed way on Saturday morning.
Mr. Horn was a friendly person who knew and liked everyone, and everyone knew and like him. His smile and ability to help was a talent. He had been with Dever, Inc. (formerly Championship Golf Cars) for some time, working the major shows and supplying golf cars.
“He was one of the most dedicated people to the service of people,” said Don Dever.
He was a 1955 graduate of Louisville Male High School and a 1959 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University where he earned both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees. He taught and coached football and baseball at Danville High School and Eastern Kentucky University. He was a former probation and parole officer and director of Highway Enforcement for the State of Kentucky, was semi-retired and for the last 11 years was associated with Dever Incorporated of Lexington.
Just last year he and his sister Judy Harlan were in Louisville at the World’s Championship Horse Show and attended their 50th high school reunion for Louisville Male High School.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret S. Horn of Lexington, two sons, Con (Sherrie) Horn of Louisville and Patrick Horn of Lexington, five grandchildren, Erica Engle of Burgin, Conley Horn of Louisville, Katie Horn of Lexington, Lindsey Horn of Louisville and Ryan Pendleton of Lexington, and four great-grandchildren Sydney Colwell, Conley Horn III, Mason Engle and Griffin Horn. He is also survived by a sister, Judy (Bill) Harlan of Fallston, Maryland and a nephew, Ross Shellhamer.
Mr. Horn will be deeply missed by his family, the Dever family and his friends. Lance Kirland of Dever, Inc., said he meant so much to each and every one of them, and that he will always have a place in their heart.
“Words cannot describe how much he will be missed,” Kirkland said. “There will be a void in the horse community.”
A memorial will be placed at the golf cart concession at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The family requests donations be made to the American Lung Association.
MEG SALMON-RIGGINS PASSES AWAY
Margaret (Meg) Salmon-Riggins, 50, Lee’s Summit, Mo., passed away on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007 at her home.
Memorial services took place Jan. 5, 2008 at the Langsford Funeral home in Lee’s Summit.
She was born on April 29, 1957 in Tulsa, Okla. She was loving wife for 21 years, and an amazing, loving mother to four girls.
She was an avid horsewoman and owned and showed many world champions. She was a nurse at the Lee’s Summit Clinic for 12 years for Dr. Herb A. Dempsey Sr.
Survivors include her husband, Michael Riggins; daughters, Sara, Hollie, Rebecca and Brooke; sister-in-law, Debbie Woolworth; father-in-law, Robert Riggins; mother-in-law, Dorris Riggins; and other family and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association and Longview Horse Park.
JOHN SHEA PASSES AWAY
John Lawrence Shea passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2008 in Covington, LA. at the age of 76. John was a native of Jerseyville, IL. and the resident of Covington, LA for the past 39 years.
Beloved husband of Loraine Cain Shea, father of Vickie Adams and Lorye Wells, and spouse, Gary Wells. Grandfather of Shea LaRae Wells. Brother of Betty Mossman and the late James R. Shea and Catherine Shea. Extended family members Robert Hair, Abel Vega and Antonio Vega.
John was nationally renowned Hackney Pony and Show Horse trainer for over 50 years. He was inducted in to the Hackney, UPHA and American Roadhorse Hall of Fames. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.
Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Service at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 125 E. 19th Ave. Covington, La. on Friday, January 4, 2008 at 4:00P.M. Interment private. Visitation after 3:00P.M. Friday. In lieu of flowers donation to the American Diabetic Association preferred. Bagnell & Son Funeral Home of Covington, LA. in Charge of Arrangements.
MARY KATE MOORE PASSES AWAY
Miss Mary Kate Moore, daughter of Rodney Taylor and Tracy Shaw Moore of Greensburg, was born on Monday, April 24, 1989 in Bowling Green, Kentucky and departed this life on Sunday, December 23, 2007 at the University Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky due to an automobile accident. She was 18 years, 7 months and 29 days of age.
She had made a profession of faith in Christ and was a member of the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church; she was a graduate of the Green County High School class of 2007 and a freshman at Western Kentucky University. She was the recipient of the Clellan H. Moore Miss Congeniality Award of the Kentucky Association of Fairs & Horse Shows, current Miss Metcalfe County 2007, Miss Hart County 2006, Miss Cow Days 2005, Miss Teen Metcalfe County, Pre-teen Green County, 6th in State Class ‘A’ Cross Country two years in a row, All State Cross Country two years in a row, middle school runner of the year, John Ewing Award two years in a row, 1st runner-up and scholastic winner –Junior Miss 2006, and a Western Kentucky Presidential Award recipient.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather: Clellan H. Moore and an aunt: Terra Shaw.
Besides her parents she is survived by a brother: Jordan Moore of Bowling Green; her grandparents: Martha Moore and James “Cotton” Bardin of Greensburg, Dr. Phil and Tammy Shaw of Campbellsville and Barbara and Zan Burton of Viera, Florida; aunts and uncles: Howard and Anne Moore of Greensburg, Jerry and Susan Shaw of Lawrenceburg, Laura and Scott Caldwell of Florida, Steve and Brooke Shaw of Marietta, Georgia and Ryan Shaw of Marietta, Georgia; a special friend: Kenneth Wade Tucker of Greensburg; and a host of other relatives and many friends.
The funeral services for Miss Mary Kate Moore were conducted at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, December 27, 2007 at the Cowherd and Parrott Funeral Home with burial following in the Ebenezer Cemetery. Rev. Dwight Forderhase and Will Hodges will be officiating.
The family has asked that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church or the Green County Cross Country Team, which can be made at the funeral home.
For online condolences log onto: cowherdandparrott.com
PALLBEARERS:
Rod Moore , James Bardin, Harold Hudgins, Jordan Moore, Howard Moore, Hayes Moore, Gaither Moore, Casey Burris, Wade Tucker
HONORARY:
“Class of 2007”
BOB JENKINS PASSES AWAY
Robert Shannon Jenkins, 71, of Bowling Green, Ky., died Nov. 12, 2007 in Bowling Green. The Nashville native was a Road Horse, Saddlebred and Hackney Pony trainer and exhibitor.
Bob Jenkins inherited his passion for Road Horses from his father, Carl Jenkins. Bob Jenkins was a founding member and past president of the American Road Horse and Pony Association. He brought out many reserve World’s Champion Road Horses. He drove Cherokee and Royal Ace to many Road Horse Championships throughout the southeast.
His World’s Champion Road Ponies include, Miss Sensation, Puff & Stuff and Hellion. Other notable Road Horses once trained by Mr. Jenkins are: Shoeshine Girl, Miss Dean Key, Atom Smasher, Dark Cedar, Wild Cedar, On Time, Hia Honey and Dr. J.
He was a member of the Masons and Rotary Club and an inductee in the American Road Horse and Pony Hall of Fame. He was a member of the United Professional Horse Association, founder of Bob Jenkins Tire Dealerships in the metro Atlanta area and a member of Living Hope Baptist Church.
He was the son of the late Carl J. Jenkins and Frances (Tague) Jenkins.
Survivors include his wife: Madren (Calvert) Jenkins, Bowling Green, Ky.; two daughters: Robin J. Church, Bowling Green, Ky., and Cathy Gallup, Marietta, Ga.; two brothers: Carl (Bucky) Jenkins, wife Pat, St. Simons, Ga. and Larry Jenkins, Suwanee, Ga.; one uncle: Robert A. Jenkins, wife Mary, Macon, Ga.; stepson: David Harbison, and wife Sharon, Bowling Green, Ky; stepson: Dan Harbison, wife Roberta, Scottsville, Ky.; stepdaughter: Christy Gallup of Marrietta, Ga.; one grandson: Chris Church, Bowling Green, Ky.; step-granddaughters: MacKenzie, Hannah, Meredith, Jessica, Brittani and Chelsi; one step grandson: Wes; and three nieces: Julie, Lori and Shannon. A faithful black Lab, “Gyp.”
Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 16 at J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel. Burial was held at the Fairview Cemetery in Bowling Green, Ky.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to: The American Road Horse and Pony Association, 177 East 2nd St., Maysville, KY 41056 or Hospice of Southern Kentucky, Inc., 5872 Scottsville Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42104.
JOHN HENRY IS GONE
John Henry, the legendary Thoroughbred racehorse who was twice Horse of the Year, was humanely euthanized at the Kentucky Horse Park Oct. 8, 2007 at 7:00 pm.
John Nicholson, executive director of the park expressed, “The mighty heart of the great John Henry has, at long last, yielded to time. The racing industry has lost a legend, but more significantly, many people have lost a personal hero. John Henry’s true legacy was written in people’s hearts far more indelibly than his superlative racing career could ever reflect.” He continued, “John Henry was a testament to the fact that a horse’s value is far greater than the sum of his pedigree, conformation, sales price and race record. Winston Churchill said that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man, but I would add that horses like John Henry prove that the inside of a horse is even better for the inside of man.”
The sad but unanimous decision was reached by a team of people who knew him best. The park’s equine director, Kathy Hopkins stated, “After continued successful efforts to maintain the quality of John Henry's life, in the past 48 hours he did not respond to our medical intervention. Due to the loss of kidney function and muscle mass, his veterinarian, Dr. Mike Beyer, found it impossible to keep him properly hydrated and comfortable. Over the years, our goal has always been to maintain the highest quality of care and life for him, and it became evident over the weekend that this was no longer possible. Our hearts go out to all of those who so deeply cared for John during his long and charismatic life.”
He lived 32-and-a-half years, and went peacefully to sleep surrounded by a small circle of friends who were closest to him, including Cathy Roby, who has been his friend and caretaker for 16 years and his breeder, Verna Lehmann.
John Henry overcame numerous well-known obstacles throughout his career, and colic surgery in 2002. His talent, determination, tenacity and toughness inspired thousands of people who didn’t even see him race, but became aware of him many years after his retirement. Some of his fans visited him at least once a month from Toledo, Indianapolis, and other cities in the Midwest, while others made annual pilgrimages to his barn from California, Texas and around the world. When it recently became public knowledge that his health was in a state of decline, many of his fans immediately came to the park to thank their beloved champion for the memories, and to whisper their personal, final farewells to the horse who inspired great respect and ardent devotion.
John Henry’s race record included more than $6.5 million in earnings, 39 wins including 30 stakes wins (16 Grade 1 stakes wins) and seven Eclipse Awards, including two Horse of the Year titles. He equaled a world track record for 1 ½ miles in 2:23 at Santa Anita and was the only horse to win Horse of the Year more than once in nonconsecutive years, and the oldest horse ever to win that title - at age nine. John Henry was voted Racehorse of the Decade for the 1980s, and was inducted into Racing's Hall of Fame in 1990.
Sired by Ole Bob Bowers out of Once Double, by Double Jay, John Henry was foaled on March 9, 1975 at Golden Chance Farm in Paris, Kentucky.
After having passed through several owners and trainers, John Henry finally blossomed under the careful tutelage of trainer Ron McAnally, and with his owner, Sam Rubin. McAnally, who brought out the best in the horse with “carrots, apples and love,” visited John Henry many times during the horse’s retirement and had just seen him again as recently as September, and brought John’s favorite cookies and carrots to his aging protégé. Lewis Cenicola, John Henry’s exercise rider for six years, also visited the horse in September.
Tom Levinson, stepson of the late Sam Rubin said, “John always had fire in his eyes as he circled his opponents in the paddock while they pranced, his eyes glazed with the determination to win. Certainly he was the people’s hero… Sam and Dorothy loved sharing John’s victories with his adoring fans and we appreciate their devotion even to this sad day… We are sure that if Sam Rubin were here today, he and my mother Dorothy would agree that their wish would be for John Henry to be remembered as the mighty, cantankerous champion we all loved.”
Chris McCarron rode John Henry in 14 of his last races and has spent many hours with the horse during his 22 years at the park. Regarding the great horse’s passing, he observed, “What can I say about the legendary John Henry that has not already been said? John meant the world to my family and me. Everywhere he raced, his presence doubled the size of a normal race track crowd. He did so much for racing, even after he retired, that he will be impossible to replace. He will be sorely missed but forever in our hearts.”
A public memorial service will be held and will be announced by the park upon completion of the arrangements. Plans will be posted on the park’s website, www.kyhorsepark.com under News & Media and the Calendar of Events. John Henry will be buried near his paddock at the Hall of Champions. Other Thoroughbred champions buried at the park include Man o’ War, War Admiral, Forego, Bold Forbes, Allez France, Peteski and Jay Trump.
Recent photos and video of John Henry can be seen on The Horse website at www.thehorse.com by searching for “Hoofing it With John Henry.” A new documentary, John Henry: An American Hero, produced by Open Sky Entertainment (Producer: Rebecca Gebhard, Directors: Chris Koby and Cameron Duddy) is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the release date to be announced.
One of his legions of admirers, Howard McClurkin from Weatherford, Texas, summarized his and many fans’ devotion this way, “John Henry is an anchor in one’s life. When things are not going well and one needs inspiration or perhaps one just wants a moment of happiness by thinking of extraordinary accomplishments arising from such a painfully humble beginning, the thought and image of John Henry are readily at hand. He started in a hole. He started with zero and went on to lasso the stars.”
John Nicholson concluded, “The next few days will be terribly difficult for his fans, but especially for the people here at the park who have worked with him and loved him for so long. It was our unparalleled privilege to have John Henry living at the Kentucky Horse Park for the past 22 years.”
