Legends

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Jack Van Berg: A Hall of Famer and a True Horseman

Racing Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg passed away on Dec. 27, 2017, at age 81. The Kentucky Derby-winning trainer who ranks fourth all-time in career wins in North America was profiled by America’s Best Racing correspondent Tom Pedulla in 2014. Van Berg reflected on the influence of his father, Marion, on his superstar horse from the 1980s, Alysheba, and on his enduring passion for the sport.

Pleasant Colony swept the 1981 Kentucky Derby and Preakness en route to championship honors.

Pleasant Colony: 1981 Kentucky Derby Winner Was a Genuine Racehorse

It had been a glorious five-year run.

Belmont Winner Rags to Riches in League of Her Own

Todd Pletcher has won more than 5,850 races in his extraordinary training career. One stands out above the rest.

That would be the 2007 Belmont Stakes, when big-hearted Rags to Riches became only the third filly to win the famed “Test of the Champion” and the first since Tanya in 1905.

Wise Dan: How One Racehorse Defined What It Means to Be a Champion

What defines a champion?

Is it talent; the raw ability that gives an athlete the ability to excel in their sport? Is it accomplishments; the record of achievements that their talent enables them to compile? Or is it something else entirely; an innate desire to perform as well as possible and give your all every time you compete?

Azeri wins the 2004 Spinster Stakes at Keeneland.

2002 Horse of the Year Azeri: A Standard of Excellence

Allen E. Paulson and his family are no doubt best known in Thoroughbred racing for owning the great champion Cigar, one of the sport’s most brilliant males.

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