John Nerud "Lasting Impressions" - Dr. Fager (Part 1)

Legendary horseman and Hall of Famer John Nerud, who turns 98 on February 9 of this year, shares his thoughts on subjects ranging from Horse of the Year Dr. Fager.

Of his more than 1,000 winners, Nerud says that Tartan Farms' Dr. Fager was the "only horse I ever had who could run," and run he did. En route to his Horse of the Year title in 1968, Dr. Fager also earned Top Sprinter honors (1967-68), Top Turf Male honors (1968) and Top Older Male (1968). The colt's 4-year-old campaign was considered one of the most remarkable in the history of horse racing, encompassing a world record 1:32 1/5 for a mile under 134 pounds in the Washington Park Handicap at Arlington Park and victories in the Roseben, the Californian, the Suburban, Brooklyn, Whitney, United Nations and Vosburgh.

Following a 44-year training career that ended in 1978, Nerud stayed with Tartan Farms as director of breeding and racing, and subsequently helped develop the Breeders' Cup as chairman of its marketing committee. Although no longer actively involved with the year-end championships, Nerud counts last year's Classic showdown between Horse of the Year Zenyatta and Blame as one of the most thrilling in the event's history.

Nerud, who was enshrined in racing's Hall of Fame as a trainer in 1972, went on to enjoy success as a breeder and owner, campaigning, among others, multiple stakes winner Fappiano and 1985's Top Turf Horse, Cozzene. A resident of Old Brookville , N.Y. , Nerud received an Eclipse Award of Merit in 2007 and remains one of horse racing's most respected and outspoken individuals.

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[BE109]

They should make a movie about Fager! Fager's achievements are very well known. The best way to describe him is simple. Any horse who hooked Fager and ran with him eye to eye was cooked,and I mean cooked to a crisp! That includes the great TB Damascus! Trust me Damascus was a great TB as well,but he never could deal with Fager one on one. Thats not a knock,thats the truth! Fager was my favorite of them all!!!!

[evyn10014]

What a class act. Both Mr. Nerud and his colt. The Doctor is my favorite horse, quite possibly the greatest of all time IMHO. Wish they'd make a movie about his life it would be a thrillride. Peace.

[Lindalouise333]

What a beautiful man!

[DrFagersGhost]

Many thanks NYRA for posting this great, great interview with the legendary John Nerud. Dr. Fager was one of the greatest horses who ever raced. Versatile, fast, courageous, and a true champion. He carried weight and he ran on all surfaces. His world record for a mile over the dirt in 1:32 1/5 set at Arlington Park under 139 pounds was one of the greatest races ever run. It ranks among the all time best of all time. Mr. Nerud - thank you for your commitment to racing!! God Bless You!!