"I still think he's the best colt in the country," Van Berg said.

"I always wondered what happened to you," the teacher said to Van Berg.

Van Berg said he is trying to correct that impression.

Van Berg will no longer discuss the medication issue, which he has maintained all along is irrelevant to his horse's form and plans.

Van Berg raced the horse where he thought he could win.

Privately, though, Van Berg seemed to be fretting over the move.

"It might have cost us second money, but we weren't going to beat the winner," Van Berg said later.

Van Berg had never won the award, and many voters thought it was an appropriate time to reward him.

"It won't make a difference," Van Berg said after today's race.

Normally, Van Berg is at the stable around 5 in the morning.