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.

Thanksgiving Travers Hirsch Saratoga Arcaro horse racing

The Story of a Racehorse Named Thanksgiving

Max Hirsch was a titan in the sport. He won the 1934 Travers Stakes with Observant. He trained Bold Venture, winner of the 1936 Kentucky Derby and Preakness. He was well on his way to a Hall of Fame career.

Sky Beauty: The Epitome of Class With the Ability to Take Your Breath Away

The late Allen Jerkens trained Beau Purple when he upset the mighty Kelso three times in the 1960s. He saddled Onion when he shocked Secretariat in the Whitney Invitational in 1973 and got the best of “Big Red” once more that year with Prove Out in the Woodward Stakes.

Yet, when Jerkens was asked to name the top horse he conditioned, he immediately responded with Sky Beauty. “She’s in front of all of them,” he told the Daily Racing Form, adding, “She was sheer class.”

Get to Know All 13 U.S. Triple Crown Winners

There is at least one racing term that immediately inspires respect, and even awe, from people with deep involvement in the racing industry and from those with little knowledge of the sport – the Triple Crown.

Gun Runner: Qualities a Horse Needs for a Long, Successful Racing Career

Some racehorses peak at an early age, flashing brilliance right from the start. Others require more time to reach their best form, maturing slowly over the course of several years.

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