NEW YORK (AP) - The Kentucky Horse Park, home to the great John
Henry for nearly a quarter-century, has been honored with a special
Eclipse Award for contributions to thoroughbred racing.
The award is presented by the National Turf Writers Association,
Daily Racing Form and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.
Best known for its Hall of Champions, the horse park was founded
in 1978 and now features as many as 53 different breeds of horses
at work and at play.
Two-time Horse of the Year John Henry was just one of many
retired champions of the race track and show ring to spend time at
the park. John Henry, who died in October, was the most popular
attraction.
"For 23 years, we were able to care for John Henry, while he
was visited by millions of fans, and allowed us to tell our
story," said John Nicholson, executive director of the Lexington,
Ky.-based park. "John Henry epitomized our philosophy that horses
are our heroes and our partners."
The park hosts nearly 900,000 visitors and 15,000 competition
horses in 75 special events and horse shows each year. It is also
the home of the National Horse Center, a collection of 34 national,
state and regional equine organizations.
In 2010, the park will play host to the Alltech FEI World
Equestrian Games, the first time this global event has ever been
held outside of Europe. More than 60 nations are expected to
compete.
The award will be presented at the Eclipse Awards ceremony Jan.
21 at Beverly Hills, Calif.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)