John Red ran 12.6 seconds at 200 yards as was AA (some argue AAA) rated. He started his racing career as a match racer in the OK and TX panhandles and move to SD when Clarence Bearry purchased the stallion. Known for being nearly ear-less due to frostbite when in the TX Panhandle, unlike some other Hancock horse, John Red was not at all bronky and his get were used primarily as rope horses. His get were tall (15.2 - 15.3) horses for the times and know for nice heads (again, unlike many other Hancock horses and easy on the eyes.