Allen Jerkens took out his trainer’s license as soon as he turned 21, and he only waited that long because his father forbid him to do so any sooner. He enjoyed solid success almost from the very beginning and won his first stakes race in 1955 with a horse named War Command, whom Jerkens had claimed for $8,000. Seven years later, he agreed to become the private trainer for Jack Dreyfus Jr.’s Hobeau Farm. Though Hobeau Farm didn’t always deal in the most fashionable of pedigrees, it did provide Jerkens with volume. And Jerkens certainly had a knack for getting the most out of his horses.
Author: News
Where to Watch/Listen: Horse Racing Coverage Jan. 8-11
The first full week of 2026 on the North American racing calendar is comparatively light in terms of high-profile graded stakes, and the reshuffling of several racedays at Santa Anita Park due to heavy rainfall and flooding in the area has altered the schedule.
2026 Kentucky Derby Prospect Profiles: Smarty Jones Stakes Winner Strategic Risk
Welcome to Kentucky Derby Prospect Profiles, where we take a look each week at a recent winner on the Road to the Derby schedule that offers qualifying points to the 1 ¼-mile classic race May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs.
A Beginner’s Guide to the Horse-Racing Phenomenon ‘Umamsume: Pretty Derby’
American racetracks have for decades dealt with the challenge of how to attract new fans. They have been extremely creative developing VIP experiences, boutique meets, and specialized fan days and events involving concerts, fashion, and themed experiences. There is now a cultural phenomenon in Japan involving gaming, live music concerts, manga, and anime that is bringing thousands of new young fans into the sport.
