Nerud Homebred Colt Wins at Big A

John Nerud, who turns 102 on Feb. 9, is still winning races as an owner and breeder. His latest victory came Jan. 23 at Aqueduct Racetrack when second-time starter, the appropriately named Final Chapter, broke his maiden wire-to-wire by 1 1/4 lengths going six furlongs .

The 3-year-old New York-bred son of Thunder Gulch—Comedy of Errors, by Colonial Affair went right to the lead for trainer Mike Hushion, opening a four-length advantage at the eighth pole before winning comfortably in 1:12.07. In his only other start, he finished third in his career debut last November.

"When I had him at Barry Schwartz' farm as a yearling, I had his heart measured and he had a very slow heartbeat, the best on the farm," Nerud said. "That doesn't mean he's going to be a runner, but it's a good sign in a young horse.

"I won with the first horse I ever owned and bred and I've won with the last horse I owned and bred. And I've had a few good ones in between."

Nerud, of course, is known for training and being part-owner of the legendary Dr. Fager and his half sister, two-time champion Ta Wee, as well as being owner and breeder of major breeding influences Fappiano, Unbridled, and Cozzene, just to name a few.

Nerud has never been a fan of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), and in fact has only run one horse in the Derby, and that was Ralph Lowe's Gallant Man, who was beaten a nose by Iron Liege in 1957 when jockey Bill Shoemaker misjudged the finish line and stood up on Gallant Man before the wire. Nerud said he feels young horses are not ready for the Derby grind and he has avoided temptation on several occasions after Gallant Man, whose owner wanted to run.