John Henry - Thoroughbred

Horseracing Betting Lines

10/09/2007 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - I remember watching John Henry run in the 1982 Measowlands Cup Handicap in the early days of simulcasting. The evening race was only simulcast within New Jersey, so I made the drive to Atlantic City Race Course from Philadelphia.

The gelding was the even-money favorite in the Meadowlands event with Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker riding. Even though John Henry finished third, it was an exciting race and helped advance the cause of simulcasting.

John Henry was a truely gifted thoroughbred who kept horse racing alive during a difficult decade. He came along after the three Triple Crown champions of the 1970's.

"John Henry's true legacy was written in people's hearts far more indelibly than his superlative racing career could ever reflect." said John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park. "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."

He raced from 1977 to 1984 accumulating almost $6.6 million and nearly as many fans. Trained primarily by Ron McAnally, John Henry ran all over the country. His last four starts were at four different tracks, all victories with Chris McCarron guiding the champ to the winner's circle.

Tom Levinson, stepson of the late owner 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."

The three jockeys who climbed into the saddle over the last four years of John Henry's career, Laffit Pincay, Jr., Bill Shoemaker and McCarron, were appropriate pilots.

"What can I say about the legendary John Henry that has not already been said?," commented McCarron. "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."

John Henry was the working guy's racehorse. He came from humble origins and became a two-time Horse of the Year. He also was named champion older male horse in 1981 and was a four-time Eclipse Award winner as top male turf runner.

I also remember him capturing the first running of the Arlington Million, the first $1 million horse race. Three years later John Henry again won the Arlington Million.

John Henry became a legend during his racing career, a legend that grew during his retirement. Many stakes races are rightly named for John Henry, but he was certainly one of a kind.

Fpxsports Horseracing Betting News

<< This Week in Auto Racing October 11 - October 13
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It's the fifth race of the 10-race "Chase for the Nextel Cup" and Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson are threatening to make the championship their own private contest. NASCAR

<< MISL, FSC announced two-year deal
Westport, CT (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Fox Soccer Channel and the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) announced a two-year broadcasting agreement to televise league matches beginning this November through the 2008-09 season. The partnership represe

<< Not a Welcome Flashback for Ravens
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It felt like 2000 all over again. Trent Dilfer was in the house. The Baltimore Ravens couldn't score. Brian Billick's team played great defense. And they won. Only thing was, after the Ravens' so-ugly-you-couldn't-look 9-7

<< Isles sign Berard
Uniondale, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The New York Islanders announced Tuesday that they have signed veteran forward Brian Berard to a one-year deal after the 30-year old earned a spot following an invite to training camp. Berard, who ca

<< Kansas State reports possible NCAA violations
Manhattan, KS (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Kansas State is being investigated by the NCAA for possible rules violations in its football program. Kansas State director of athletics Tim Weiser said the university has informed the NCAA of possible vi

Spotlight is on Stastny >>
Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - When people talk about the future of hockey it doesn't take long for Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin's names to come up in the conversation. However, if Paul Stastny of the Colorado Avalanche is able

Jags continue stellar run defense >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Jacksonville Jaguars must have been playing some old hits from Martha and the Vandellas in the locker room at Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium this past Sunday. If so, the hit song "Nowhere to Run" would have been a per

Sorenson penalized for Talladega rules violation >>
Daytona Beach, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Reed Sorenson and the No.41 Target Chip Ganassi Dodge team has been penalized for failing post-race inspection after Sunday's race at the Talladega Superspeedway. The car was found in violation of

Rookie running back leads Colts to 5-0 mark >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - In case you didn't catch the name of the Indianapolis Colts running back who wears No. 36 on Sunday, it's Kenton Keith. Keith is a first-year player out of New Mexico State who was thrust into the starting lineup as an inj

Bucs Supporters Shouldn't Panic >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - At this very moment, they're obsessing about the running back situation in Tampa Bay. In the wake of a serious ankle injury suffered by Michael Pittman in Sunday's 33-14 loss to Indianapolis, fans are scanning the free age

It's less than a month until the NHL hockey betting season opens at MySportsbook.com and preparations are underway for another battle in the race to hoist Lord Stanley's mug in 2007.

As cup crazy fans prepare to place their bets, one online sportsbook ,MySportsbook.com, is offering hockey betting lines on the 2007/2007 Stanley Cup , who will bring it home this upcoming season.

Despite a poor showing in last season's playoffs and the loss of Steve Yzerman to retirement, the Detroit Red Wings are early favourites at this online sportsbook with wagering odds of 6-1. The Wings will look to offensive powerhouse Pavel Datsyuk and newly appointed captain Nicklas Lidstrom to lead one of the league's most prominent franchises.

Always a threat are the Ottawa Senators, with newly acquired goaltender Martin Gerber from the Stanley Cup champion ,Carolina Hurricanes. The Sens are second best in the rankings at a 7-1 bet, and odds makers at this sportsbook are optimistic that the Ottawa squad will fare better than last season's Eastern Conference semi-final upset to the Buffalo Sabres.

Also worth noting are the defending Stanley Cup champs Carolina Hurricanes, a 10-1 bet to repeat. Behind the Canes are the New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, Buffalo Sabres, Philadelphia Flyers, and Anaheim Mighty Ducks all sit at 12-1. In the basement are the Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, and St. Louis Blues who all have 100-1 odds to win.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your hockey betting needs.

You've come to the right place if you're searching for a great legal online sportsbook ! The sportsbooks featured on this page accept sports wagers for the NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL, NCAA, Tennis, Soccer, Auto-Racing, Golf, Boxing, Horseracing, and many more. Using the information displayed on this page, you'll be able to make a wise-decision when selecting an online sportsbook and wagering service.

If you've never wagered at an online sportsbook before, you will find the process of starting to be straightforward. First, you choose a sportsbook from the list provided below. We feature the top sportsbooks on the web, with rankings based on company size, reputation, security, web site usability, and payment options. Once you've chosen the betting site that's right for you, the next step is online registration. You'll need to provide some basic information to create your account and receive a username and password. At this time, you'll also select a payment option. The books reviewed accept Visa, Mastercard, BankWire, and several others. Once you have an account created with the Sportsbook, you're ready to start wagering. You'll want to get familiar with their website and contact their Customer Service department if you have any questions.

Also, make sure you read the terms and conditions, which is usually located at the bottom of the homepage. The terms and conditions will outline all of the rules and regulations for the sportsbook. Once you are comfortable with the website and fully understand all of the rules, you are ready to start betting on your favorite sports teams or even on some hot current events!

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs.