Profound Moment delivers just that to Van Berg family

In an emotional start to the meet, trainer Tom Van Berg, who on Monday buried his father, Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, won the fifth race at Oaklawn Park with Profound Moment. The horse paid $37.

Tom Van Berg took over the stable his father had in place for the Oaklawn meet. Jack Van Berg was hospitalized before the season started, and died Dec. 27 after battling cancer. A funeral service Monday drew about 400 members of the racing community. It was held at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Profound Moment was Tom Van Berg’s first starter since Jan. 1, 2008, according to Daily Racing Form records. The horse was the lone starter Tom Van Berg had on the card Friday. Profound Moment won the optional $62,500 claiming race on the front end, by a length as the second-longest shot on the board. The mare by Haynesfield races for Mark DeDomenico LLC and Muddy Waters Stables.

Profound Moment was coming off a fourth-place finish in a Churchill Downs race for Jack Van Berg in November.

Tom Van Berg also lost his brother, trainer Tim Van Berg, last year. Tim Van Berg died in April.

► Hall of Fame rider Gary Stevens won the second race of the meet, aboard Articulator ($5.80). He is riding regularly in Arkansas after being based in Southern California. Billy Gowan, a former assistant to trainer Jack Van Berg, trains Articulator.