Midwest Theater presents "Born to Rein"

The BORN TO REIN documentary film honors the lives and careers of native Nebraskans and National Hall of Fame Trainers - John Nerud of Minatare; and father-and-son trainers, Marion and Jack Van Berg of Columbus - and how their horsemanship continues to impact and influence the national thoroughbred industry today.

John Nerud, co-founder of the prestigious Breeders' Cup.  Nerud has had his influence stamped on eight Kentucky Derby winners since 2005, including the last six - Orb, California Chrome, American Pharoah, Nyquist, Always Dreaming and Justify.  And the last two Triple Crown winners #12 American Pharoah and #13 Justify.  John Nerud lived to be 102 years old and was alive for the first 12 Triple Crown Wins!

Marion Van Berg was the nation's leading owner in racing victories 14 times and was the first Nebraskan inducted into the Nebraska Horse Racing Hall of Fame; and the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame in 1970.

Jack Van Berg - Like his father, Jack Van Berg, set records for the most wins.  He was the first trainer in American ever to achieve 5,000 wins; with 496 wins in one year.  His best horse, Alyshea, won the 1987 Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Breeders' Cup Classic, and was Horse of the Year in 1988.  Jack Van Berg was inducted into the National Museum of Horse Racing and Hall of Fame in 1985.

The timing of the documentary coincides with the 100th Anniversary of America's First Triple Crown Winner, Sir Barton, who after retiring from racing, was sold and served as a U.S. Army Remount Service Stallion at Fort Robinson, near Crawford.  Sir Barton's final resting place is at Washington Park in Douglas, WY.