Nerud memorabilia goes to Hall

John Nerud, the Hall of Fame trainer best known for his stewardship of Dr. Fager, has donated his entire collection of racing trophies, awards, and art to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the hall announced on Monday.

The 30-piece collection includes nine trophies won by Dr. Fager, the only horse to have been named champion in four categories in one year when in 1968 he was voted best male handicap horse, best sprinter, best turf male, and Horse of the Year. The collection also includes Nerud's Eclipse Award of Merit, awarded in 2006; a painting of Gallant Man by Richard Stone Reeves; and the Eclipse Award won by Nerud's homebred Cozzene in 1985.

Nerud, 96, retired from training in 1978, six years after being elected to the Hall of Fame. Following his retirement, he managed the racing and breeding interests of Tartan Farms, the operation owned by William L. McKnight, the breeder-owner of Dr. Fager.