Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, announced the Thoroughbred retirement facility will partner with Bill Oster and the Kentucky Horse Park to create a privately funded memorial for John Henry, who was euthanatized Oct. 8 due to the infirmities of old age. He was 32.

John Henry, famous for his cantankerous disposition, was a two-time Horse of the Year. He retired in 1985 with earnings of more than $6.5 million.

"John Henry was special to the park, he was special to racing, and his story is just a great one, regardless of whether you are into racing or not," said Oster in a release. Oster has been a park volunteer the past 10 years and was one of John’s primary caretakers. "He was the people’s horse, he was a blue-collar horse, he didn’t have a lot of breeding, and he overcame every obstacle he ever had in his life