OUR HISTORY
Continuing the excellence of the Hall of Fame visionary who built a one-of-a-kind training center for his champions.
Our facility was originally established in 1983 by legendary Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, a visionary horseman whose insight into the value of a well-designed, private training facility set him apart. Jack’s creativity and foresight resulted in the creation of a unique and one-of-a-kind training center.
Among the first to arrive at Van Berg Stables was multiple Graded Stakes winner and Preakness Stakes victor Gate Dancer. The following year, two-time Champion and Horse of the Year Alysheba joined him. Over the years, many other notable stakes winners, including Horse of the Year Ghostzapper, made their way to Jack’s training center, cementing its reputation as a place of excellence.
42nd best racehorse of the 20th Century
- Lifetime earnings: $6,679,242
- Kentucky Derby (G1)
- Preakness Stakes (G1)
- Super Derby Villi (G1)
Inducted into the National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame
1993
Horse of the Year
1988
Champion Older Male Horse
1988
Champion Three-Year-Old Colt
1987
Jack Van Berg
In tribute to one of the greatest trainers in racing history, Genesis Training Center proudly adopted the iconic purple and gold colors that Jack Van Berg made famous during his career, which saw him secure 6,523 victories—ranking him third on the all-time wins list. As detailed in the book Jack: From Grit to Glory, the training center was more than just a facility for Jack—it was his “happy place,” a place of peace and inspiration.
More recently, the training center was owned and operated by Eclipse Award-winning trainer Dale Romans. Under his stewardship, the facility saw the early development of many great horses, including Kitten’s Joy, Shackleford, Roses in May, Little Mike, Paddy O’ Prado, and numerous other stakes winners.
Genesis Training Center Today
Genesis Training Center was established in 2025 following a comprehensive acquisition and extensive renovation of the entire facility. The project began with the removal of the existing track surface, and in collaboration with Keeneland track superintendent Alfredo Loreono, a new 10-inch base was laid, followed by the installation of a custom blend surface. The result is an ultra-safe and superior training track.
The 97-stall barn also underwent a complete refurbishment. Stall floors were entirely removed and replaced, while the insulation in the 87,000-square-foot ceiling was upgraded. Additionally, a new drainage system was installed around the barn’s perimeter to direct water to a newly constructed pond, which will be used for swimming horses. The barn was also outfitted with new lighting, fresh paint (both inside and out), and renovated office, observation, and owners’ suite areas, along with updated bathrooms.
Finally, the staff dormitory received a full overhaul, including new bathrooms, kitchen, lighting, and laundry facilities, as well as the addition of a new pavilion for staff recreation. These improvements have transformed the dormitory into a comfortable and functional home for onsite personnel, ensuring 24/7/365 security and support for the facility.