Hall of Famer Nerud makes bequest to Racing Museum

Hall of Fame trainer John Nerud has bequeathed his

collection of trophies, awards and works of art to the National Museum of Racing

and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York.

Nerud, 96, and his wife Charlotte live in Old Brookville, New York.

The bequest includes trophies won by Hall of Fame members

Dr. Fager and *Gallant Man, champions Dr. Patches and Cozzene; the Eclipse Award

of Merit he received in 2006; a bronze of Fappiano by Jim Reno and a painting of

Gallant Man by the acclaimed equine artist Richard Stone Reeves.

"We are so happy that John has decided to pledge more than 30 items of great

historic value to us," said Joseph E. Aulisi, the Museum's director. "It will be

a spectacular addition to the Museum's collection. What a great way to start

2009."

Aulisi said that Lance Bell of Saratoga Springs, a Nerud family friend for

decades, played a major role in arranging the bequest of the memorabilia and

artwork.

Nerud grew up on a farm in Nebraska. During much of his 44-year training

career he worked for William L. McKnight, who owned and operated Tartan Farms

near Ocala,

Florida. After he retired from training in 1978, Nerud continued his

association with Tartan, managing its breeding and racing operations.

Dr. Fager, named for the neurosurgeon who saved his life, is the best-known of

the many notable horses Nerud handled during his career. The Tartan Farms

homebred became the only horse in the history of American racing to win four

titles in a single season -- champion sprinter, champion turf horse, champion

older horse and Horse of the Year in 1968.

Nine trophies won by Dr. Fager will be part of Nerud's bequest to the Museum,

including those won in the Suburban H. and Gotham S. over archrival Damascus.

Trophies won by Gallant Man in the 1957 Belmont S. and Travers S. will

also be a part of the eventual gift. Also in the collection is the Eclipse Award

won by Cozzene in 1985. John Nerud bred and owned the horse, who was trained by

his son, Jan. Other breed-shaping

horses bred by Nerud include leading sire Fappiano and his son, Kentucky Derby

(G1) winner Unbridled.

"John was one of the most important Thoroughbred horsemen of the 20th

century," Aulisi said. "He pretty much did it all as a trainer, a breeder, a

jockey agent, a farm manager who was instrumental in the development of the

breeding industry in Florida, and a founding member of the Breeders' Cup. It is

fitting that many of the trophies and awards from his distinguished career will

be part of the permanent collection and on display at the Museum."

Nerud was inducted

into the Hall of Fame in 1972.