Jack Van Berg, a member of the Fair Grounds Hall of Fame and the National
Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame, will return to Fair Grounds on January 25 to
present the trophy for the Van Berg Stakes, named for him and his father, Marion
Van Berg.
Van Berg is the all-time leading trainer at Fair Grounds, having collected an
estimated 1,210 wins during a training career that spanned from 1957 to 1996 to
go along with 10 training titles. The Van Berg Stakes, a 5 1/2-furlong turf test
for sophomores, will be run for the second time this season after debuting last
year as part of a Name the Stakes contest run by Fair Grounds.
Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s Animal Style won the inaugural running for trainer
Mike Maker.
In addition to presenting the trophy to the winner of the race, Van Berg will
also be on hand near the paddock to autograph copies of the new book written
about his life, “Jack, From Grit to Glory: A Lifetime of Mentoring, Dedication
and Perseverance, The True Story of Jack Van Berg, an American Horse Racing
Legend.”
Written by Chris Kotulak, the book is “a true story of hardship, heartache,
and heartfelt joy,” and has received positive reviews from all corners of the
racing industry.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com