Jack Van Berg

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John Charles Van Berg (born June 7, 1936 in Columbus, Nebraska) is an American Hall of Fame horse trainer. Born into a horse racing family, his father is Hall of Fame trainer, Marion Van Berg.

In 1976, Jack Van Berg set a record for the most wins in a year with 496. The trainer of Gate Dancer, he was voted the 1984 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer and in 1985 he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. In 1987 he received the Big Sport of Turfdom Award.

Jack Van Berg is best known for training Alysheba who won the 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and the 1988 Breeders' Cup Classic.

He has mentored many top trainers, including Hall of Famer Bill Mott and Frank Brothers, both of whom started off as assistants to Van Berg who has led the nation in wins nine times.


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