Comments & Contact

Chris, I met you & Jack Van Berg & purchased your book @ Churchill Downs during Derby week. I read half of the book right away & finished reading your book yesterday. Great work with your book. The passion that you & Jack Van Berg have for horse racing comes through clearly in your book. The research that you did for the book was very well done. I hope that when you are ready you write another book about horse racing. There are so many good stories that have not been told. Chris Carbone

I want to take this time to tell you that I am very proud to have had the opportunity to have worked for you and your father too. You and your father started me on the right path in life at a early age. You taught me that hard work does pays off and that there are good people in this world. I just wish you and your family the very best. Are you going to have a book signing at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans this year if so please let me know so I can buy a signed book by you. Thanks again.

I am looking forward to reading your book. A true icon to the racing industry.

I went to Jack's home for xmas dinner once, he left to go and feed the homeless people in L.A, what a man, well deserved Mr Van Berg, it was an honour to have met you whilst I was galloping horses at Hollywood park, enjoy the rest of your life...

Jack's parents would stop at my folks farm,would spend the nite and then to Chicago or Detroit. Sometimes the van would unload the horse's for a rest. My dad met Marion in Columbus years before looking for Hogs & Cattle to feed out. I got to go out with my folks a lot,Jack and I are the same age. Enjoyed the book; lots of memories.

When home in Columbus last week my sister,Marlene Korte, gave me one of the most exciting gifts that I have received in years, A copy of "Jack" with note and his autograph inside. I was a high school classmate of Ginny and Dwayne Smith. Jack was a classmate of my brother, Norman (deceased in 2003). Jack gave me a ride home from UNL to Columbus in his handsome 88 Oldsmobile on a couple of occasions in 1954-1955. He drove to Lincoln to school and knew just how much gas to leave in the car to get back to Columbus on Friday (to the Station at 33rd Ave and 8th St (and his family credit line, I assumed) He put the gear in neutral and coasted down the Platte River bluff south of Columbus just to be sure we got to town before fuel ran out. I visited with Jack at Goshen for just a few minutes (busy man) in the late 80's. I lived in Louisville during the Alysheba era. The book is a treasure...thank you to all who got the job done. My best regards to Jack. With the utmost pride in all that he has accomplished...Harold Dey.

I am a retired steam fitter. When I retired and went to work at the track as a groom. I bred and sold yearlings at the Arizona sale. I wanted to learn more about training thoroughbreds. I went to work for Molly Pearson. She treated me like a brother. The seven days a week took a toll on my knees. At 65 it was a little late to start a new career. I was taken by your open, friendly and honest approach to training, Gate Dancer with the ear muffs and later Alysheba. I sent a check to Chris McCarrons wife for the injured jockey fund. I asked them to send me a McCarrons picture of Alysheba winning 113th Kentucky Derby. They did it and it hangs in my little office here in Prescott. I have your video Jack Van Berg Horseman. The part of the video I smile at every time I watch is: What should an owner expect from a trainer? To win races. What should the trainer expect from the owner? To pay his bill on time. I just received your book today. Jack From Grit to Glory. I am very excited to start reading it. At 70 I am still breeding and selling yearlings. I am a one man operation. The horses make me look forward to getting up every morning. Thank you so much for helping keep the fire in my soul. Bob Conner MAC Thoroughbreds Prescott, AZ

Chris, thank you for writing this book. I learned a great deal about Jack and his father, Marion, and my respect for both has risen immeasurably. If you haven't purchased the book yet then hesitate no longer as it is a great read.

I am half way through the book and had to take a minute to say THANK YOU to Chris for writing it and Jack for taking the time to make it happen. I always knew Jack's dad was significant to Detroit racing (where I fell in love with the sport) but it has been just wonderful getting to know him and the kind of man he was. More than just significant to racing; significant to the world. My father in the law was cut from the same cloth. Losing him - like losing Marion - changes the world. I love the book. Can't wait to get to the first love of my life (Alysheba) and hope to make it to WV in October if you guys are still stopping there. Have a great weekend!

A must read for all horse racing enthusiasts throughout this country - a view of the Sport of Kings from a “one of a kind” trainer’s eyes and heart. A great gift for that "hard to buy for" parent, grandparent or relative who has a special place in their heart for horse racing. In my days going to Ak-Sar-Ben the trainer name of Jack Van Berg would always get a circle in the Daily Racing Form. -TP