This Week in Horse History - March 8th Through March 14th

March 9, 1975 - Thoroughbred racehorse John Henry was born today. He acquired his name, named after the legendary steel driver John Henry, because while young he (the horse) used to pull his steel buckets off of the walls and flatten them. He was voted racehorse of the decade for 1980 and in 1983 he became the first racehorse to surpass $4 million in earnings. John Henry was retired in 1985 and died in 2007.

Information courtesy of: More Than A Racehorse

Photo courtesy of: Animal Planet

March 11, 1943 - Racehorse Man o’War was retired from serving at stud because of a heart condition. He had sired 350 foals, and in 1926 he was America's leading sire. His foals won over $3 million in purses. Among the more well-known of his offspring were American Flag, War Hero, and Battleship. Man o'War died on November 1 of 1947 of a heart attack.

Information courtesy of: Man o'War

Photo courtesy of: The Tack Room - A City of Horses

March 14, 1981 - Champion pacer On The Road Again was born. On The Road Again was a tremendous pacer. He was voted Canada's Horse of the Year in both 1984 and 1985. By 1985, he had won over $2.8 million in purse earnings. On The Road Again would go on to sire offspring which would win over $68.6 million.