Hall of Fame trainer John Nerud turns 100


NEW YORK (AP) -- Hall of Fame trainer John Nerud, who oversaw champions Dr. Fager, Gallant Man and Ta Wee, turns 100 on Saturday.

Nerud trained 27 stakes winners and had more than 1,000 wins in a training career that began in 1935 and continued through 1978. He developed the Tartan Farms breeding program and was instrumental in transforming Ocala, Fla., into a major thoroughbred center. He helped found the Breeders' Cup and was inducted into racing's Hall of Fame in 1972. He is its oldest living member.

Nerud still owns a few active thoroughbreds.

He plans to mark the occasion the following day at Sands Point Golf Club near his home in Old Brookville, N.Y.