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John A. Nerud |
| Training Career: | 44 years (1935-1978) |
| Stakes winners: | 27 |
| Champions: | 5 |
Nerud began his career riding in western match races and rodeos, but spent the bulk of his career as a trainer for William L. McKnight's Tartan Farms in Florida. As a trainer, Nerud first drew national attention in 1956 after prepping Switch On to win the Palm Beach and McLennan Handicaps. The following season, in 1957, Nerud lost the coveted Kentucky Derby by a nose to Iron Liege after jockey Bill Shoemaker, aboard Gallant Man, misjudged the finish line. Fortunately, Gallant Man had another shot at greatness by defeating Bold Ruler in a record breaking Belmont Stakes.
John Nerud with Horse of the Year Dr. Fager
©N.Y.R.A.\Paul Schafer
Nerud trained several champions, but the best horse of his career was Dr. Fager, winner of five championships as sprinter (twice), Horse of the Year, turf champ, and handicap horse. | Champions Trained by Nerud Delegate, Co-champion sprinter, 1949
Intentionally, Champion sprinter, 1959
Dr. Fager, Horse of the Year, 1968
Ta Wee, Champion sprinter, 1969-70
Dr. Patches, Co-champion sprinter, 1978 |
Nerud's contribution to the success of Tartan Farms was impressive. His purchase of Champion sprinter Intentionally became the foundation for Tartan's success in breeding. When Nerud retired from training in 1978, he remained at Tartan as manager of racing and breeding. John A. Nerud was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1972.
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Swaps and Shoemaker in the San Vincente © 1955 Santa
Anita Photo; ©Keeneland-Morgan
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