Exceller Fund - John Henry auction eBay

[YoTambien]

The Exceller Fund presents this auction of a limited edition signed print of John Henry in The Final Call by celebrated artist, Fred Stone. This print was donated to The Exceller Fund by one of our members a couple of months ago. Before we could put the print up for auction, John Henry answered that final call, and we felt that we should wait a respectful amount of time before putting this print up for auction.

John Henry ruled the track like few horses ever have before or since. He was the latest in a long line of hard running geldings from Exterminator to Armed to Kelso. Like his namesake folk hero, John Henry was born of modest means. He did not have a fancy pedigree or charming good looks, but he had a heart of steel that was waiting to be forged in the battle of competition.

Purchased in 1978 for a mere $25,000 and turned over to the masterful Ron McAnally in 1979, John Henry strung together year and year of stirring victories and even more heartbreaking losses. He was retired at age 9 after compiling a formidable record of 83 starts, 39 wins, 15 seconds, and 9 thirds with $6,497,947 in earnings. He was twice voted "Horse of the Year" in the North American Eclipse Awards. He was retired and subsequently sent to the Kentucky Horse Park Hall of Champions to live out his days in well deserved leisure.

In addition to his winning ways on the track, John was also famous for his cantankerous temperament. John knew he was a champion and demanded respect from all who came to see him. He became an icon at the Kentucky Horse Park and a favorite of visitors, representing the last of the 1970's era of "super champions" which included Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed, Alydar, Ruffian and Spectacular Bid. As he aged in years, people wondered how long John's champion heart could keep going. John remained active up until the very end when, at age 32, he was euthanized in October 2007 due to complications from kidney failure. His gallant heart never failed him.

This print is a limited edition print that was made available for visitors to Santa Anita Park. The print is signed by the artist, and the retail price is $70.00. It measures 21 1/2 by 29. The picture portion of the print is 15 1/4 by 25. Your winning bid will help The Exceller Fund provide a "Future Beyond the Finish Line" sm for less fortunate Thoroughbreds whose racing and/or breeding careers are over. Many of these Thoroughbreds are capable of a second career in one of the many equine riding disciplines or simply as a pleasure riding horse.

Without donations to help provide for these horses, many would face a dark future far away from adoring crowds. The slaughterhouse is still a fate that awaits many Thoroughbreds who can no longer compete on the racetrack. Your winning bid can make a difference for one of these hores. The winning bidder will also receive an Exceller Fund Auction Certificate in addition to the print.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0195484353

Also, please be sure to check out our Holiday Horses Fundraiser, Pat DeLong's Fantasy Art Calendar (I just got my copy and it's AWESOME!!!) and our Rich In Dallas (he was one of the Seabiscuits in the movie) Christmas Cards.

http://www.excellerfund.org/Holiday2007.htm

I received some very nice e-mails last year from people who had sent and others who received a Holiday Horses card - they were thrilled with the card! We have extended the ordering date to December 15th to be mailed in time for Christmas.


The Exceller Fund
www.excellerfund.org
Providing a Future Beyond the Finish Line sm