Racing Champion

John Henry has had some health scares as of late:

John gave his caretakers a scare when blood tests showed elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, indicating potential kidney problems. He was treated with intravenous fluids from Sept. 12-15, but more recent bloodwork has shown an improvement, and his handlers are now taking it a day at a time.

John Henry has had three good days in a row, but Roby is quick to caution that he's not out of the woods.

"You know it's inevitable, but you want to make sure it's not premature," Roby said. "If he gets to the point that he's miserable or suffering, the decision will be made. We've always hoped he'd make the decision for us.”

For now, John is being pampered, is allowed to eat whatever he wants (including doughnut holes, cookies, and chocolate candy), and is enjoying a constant supply of fresh, cold water.

"We're giving him anything he'll eat," Roby said. "At this point, it's not going to hurt him."