Janet (Newcomb) Van Bebber… first 1,000-win woman trainer
BOSSIER CITY, LA – Southern California horsewoman Janet (Newcomb) Van Bebber made history March 15th when the former youth champion in the show ring became the only woman trainer in Quarter Horse history to have won 1,000 races.
Van Bebber, daughter of well-known judge Judy Wright and sister of veterinarian Dr. John Newcomb of San Diego County, notched her milestone win at Louisiana Downs with Playthegame Withease, owned by Robert Latham. She accomplished the feat as a single mother, raising her daughter, 13-year-old Taylor, and training race horses on her own since her husband, Steve, died in late 2000.
She has been Leading Trainer at Sam Houston Race Park almost every year since then, and also has been in the yearly top national listing of trainers of Quarter Horses by wins as well, finishing third in the standings in 2009 and in the top five most years.
Among her successes was Tailor Fit, a horse she picked out at the Pomona Sale as a yearling who won the Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos, as well as several other champions including Streakin Sin Tacha and Panther Mountain.
Formerly Janet Newcomb, she attended Cal State Fullerton and then entered the equine and ranch insurance business, owning “Equine Insurance” with an office across the street from Los Alamitos Race Track. She married Quarter Horse race trainer Steve Van Bebber, then moved to Louisiana, living also in Houston, Texas.
Van Bebber’s brother, “Dr. John,” is a well known authority on performance horse soundness and has served as veterinarian for the USEF Reining Team during the World Equestrian Games in Spain, Germany and last fall in Kentucky. Her mother judges numerous breeds and was an accomplished show horse trainer herself, producing numerous national and world champions in many events.
As a youth, Janet was National Champion in Western Riding and won State Championships in many categories. She trained amateurs and horses on her own while attending college.
April 24th, 2011 at 6:12 am
Hi, Janet! I am so proud of you…I am sure Taylor is a wonderful little girl, as I know how very much you love her. We, Bob and myself, are greatly involved in Neal’s son’s life. He is Anthony, 11 years old, good-looking, and is my reason for being. Enough for now — I realize what a busy life you live. I am so very proud of you. I hope you remember us — sure would love to see you, Taylor, your mom and Willie. I have some great memories that I truly cherish from those special days. Love always not to be forgotten.
May 1st, 2011 at 3:40 am
Janet…congratulations on your achievements! Don’t know if you remember me from your childhood — the Aussie blonde? Have been in contact with your mother again after all these years. It’s great to know you have all done so well. Best Regards, Beth.
May 5th, 2011 at 9:55 am
Hi Janet! CONGRATULATIONS! My mom told me what you accomplished. Needless to say, I had to search it out on the net. Very happy for you and your daughter! I think the last time we saw you was when you and Aunt Judy were at the Pomona Fairgrounds…it has been a long while. Best of luck to you in all of your endeavors! Take care.
August 14th, 2015 at 4:51 am
Hi Janet, You probably don’t remember me it has been so many years since I last seen you. I believe it was at the Heritage Sale in OKC over 20 years ago. You had just recovered from a very bad horse related injury that had put you in the hospital for quite some time. I knew you were special the first time I laid eyes on you at a horse show in New Mexico. I told Blue I wanted to meet you and he introduced me to you. Congratulations on your milestone in quarter racing and I wish you and your daughter the very best. I still think of you from time to time and this is one of them. You will always have a place in my heart, a special place.
Sincerely,
Woody in Oklahoma