Alysheba’s trainer, Jack Van Berg, dies

Hall of Famer Jack Van Berg, who oversaw Alysheba to wins in the 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, died in a hospital in Little Rock, Ark. He was 81.

Van Berg ranks fourth among trainers in North America, with 6,523 victories from 41,164 starts, according to Equibase. He had career purse earnings of $85,925,482.

In the 1987 Derby, Alysheba and jockey Chris McCarron were nearly knocked down at the top of the stretch by Bet Twice. Alysheba recovered and prevailed despite having just one career victory. Alysheba won the Preakness to set up a try for the Triple Crown but finished fourth in the Belmont. Sailing: Despite a protest, Wild Oats XI is expected to be confirmed as the winner of the Sydney to Hobart race for the ninth time after a duel with LDV Comanche.

Wild Oats XI crossed the line at Constitution Dock in Hobart about 26 minutes ahead of fellow super maxi LDV Comanche to take almost five hours off the record time set by Perpetual Loyal last year.

LDV Comanche, the 2015 winner, raised its protest flag after a near-collision with Wild Oats XI shortly after the start of the race Tuesday.

An international jury will hear the protest in Hobart on Thursday. If upheld, it could result in Wild Oats XI receiving a time penalty of five minutes or more, which likely would not change the outcome. Tennis: Top-ranked Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the Brisbane International in Australia due to his “late start of preparation” for the new season. Tournament director Cameron Pearson said Thursday that “we received word of his withdrawal this morning.” The joint ATP and WTA tournament begins Sunday.