Perhaps the loudest ovation at the memorial service for John Henry Oct. 19 at The Kentucky Horse Park came when John Nicholson thanked John’s “special friends.”

The man who runs the Horse Park was speaking of the dedicated group of employees who run the Hall of Champions, where the legendary racehorse lived the past 23 years.

John Henry was euthanatized Oct. 8 at age 32.

“We all know John selected his friends carefully,” Nicholson said to laughter from the crowd of about 500. “He was never accused of being overabundant with his affection.”

See video of the memorial service for John Henry. Chad Mendell Video

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