Nebraska’s Contributions to America’s Oldest Sport

Description

Nebraska’s invaluable contributions to the world of thoroughbred horse racing began with ordinary individuals who honed their talents on and around the state’s racecourses to later achieve extraordinary feats in the national “Sport of Kings”.  At the height of Nebraska’s thoroughbred horse racing era, the Cornhusker State boasted up to nine ovals concurrently from as far west as Mitchell, Crawford, and Alliance; in central Nebraska at Columbus and Grand Island; and to the east in Madison, Lincoln, Omaha and South Sioux City. Each racecourse at their infancy had one commonality – all were formed, organized, or governed by their county agricultural societies, as many race meets occurred during the county or state fair season.  The presentation can be tailored to focus on one of the following:

•  Learn how the establishment of Nebraska’s thoroughbred racetracks in the early 1900s set the foundation and course for the careers of native Nebraskans and National Hall of Fame trainers: father-and-son team – Marion Van Berg and Jack Van Berg of Columbus; John Nerud of Minatare; Robert Wheeler of Crawford; and Carl Hanford of Fairbury. 

• AKSARBEN – the history of the racecourse once coined as “Nebraska’s Largest Tourist Attraction”. 

• How Omaha Came to Omaha – the story about how “Omaha” the horse, America’s Third Triple Crown winner, came to Omaha to help promote Nebraska’s thoroughbred breeding program and lived out his life at the former Grove Porter’s Farm in Nebraska City – now Arbor Day Farm.