John Nerud, a thoroughbred racing pioneer who trained the great Dr. Fager and helped create the Breeders' Cup, died of heart failure Thursday at his home in Old Brookville, N.Y. He was 102.
His death was announced by the National Museum and Racing Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 1972.
Nerud won more than 1,000 races during his 44-year training career, mostly for Tartan Farms, the Ocala, Fla., stable where he served as trainer, president and general manager.
His top horse at Tartan was Dr. Fager, named after a Boston neurosurgeon who saved Nerud's life.