TRAINING LEGEND ALLEN JERKENS AMONG FEATURES ON
Arcadia, CA, April 24 -- A career retrospective on legendary Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens, reflections from a prominent Southern California-based trainer on a former stable star, and the renewal of a tremendous legacy, comprise the features slated for the next edition of HorseRacing TV's (TM) (HRTV) "Inside Information," which airs this Sunday, April 26 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
For the past 60 years, trainer Allen Jerkens has cast a huge shadow on the backstretches of many racetracks. Jerkens first gained his trainer's license at age 21, and quickly found success. In 1963, he forged a lifelong relationship with Wall Street giant, Jack Dreyfus, Jr., and his Hobeau Farm. Over the years, Jerkens earned a well-deserved reputation as the "giant killer," crafting upsets of many of the sport's greatest stars, including two victories over the wondrous Secretariat in 1973 -- with Onion in the Whitney Handicap, and saddling Prove Out to a win in the Woodward. In addition, Jerkens trainees scored upsets over three of Thoroughbred racing's greatest equine stars -- Kelso, Buckpasser and Forego.
The victory over the incomparable Secretariat helped define the early portion of his career, and propelled him into the sport's Hall of Fame in 1975 -- at age 45. Still very active, and situated on his stable pony every morning while overseeing his stable, Jerkens has trained over 160 stakes winners in his brilliant career.
Another "Inside Information" segment will highlight trainer David Bernstein's reflections of former stable, The Wicked North. A two-time Grade 1 stakes winner, his biggest wins came in the Oaklawn Handicap and the Californian -- both in 1994. However, one of his best performances remains bittersweet. After drawing off to win the '94 Big Cap at Santa Anita Park, he was disqualified for drifting in on Myrakalu.
Over a century ago, African Americans were afforded the first opportunity to serve as regulars in the U.S. Army. Dubbed the "Negro Regulars," they served along the western frontier, protecting settlers and building infrastructure. Noted for their courage, they were named the "Buffalo Soldiers" by the Plains Indians.
Today, in Shadow Hills, CA, a group of mounted historians is carrying on their tradition. The "new" Buffalo Soldiers, founded by John Mapp and August Simien, are a group of avid historians and horsemen that participate in various reenactments and educational functions, offering individuals the chance to interact with history. "Inside Information" follows the Buffalo Soldiers to the 2009 Black History Parade in Pasadena, CA, and a Civil War recreation in Chino Hills, CA.
About HRTV
HRTV (www.hrtv.com) is a 24-hour television network providing up to 15 hours per day of wire-to-wire coverage of live horseracing action from more than 70 Thoroughbred, harness and quarter horse racetracks in the United States, Canada and Australia. HRTV is available to more than 16.5 million subscribers throughout the United States.
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CONTACT: Scott Cooper, HRTV, 609-391-8166
