Jack Werk, founder of Werk Thoroughbred Consultants, died Feb. 14 after a long battle with cancer. He was 65.
In the late 1980s, Werk transformed a long-time hobby into the popular Werk Nick Rating. In 1987, with the support of his friend and longtime Daily Racing Form "Bloodlines" columnist Leon Rasmussen, Werk founded Owner-Breeder, a monthly journal dedicated to Thoroughbred pedigree analysis and evaluation.
Werk launched the pedigree software, CompuSire, with Roger Lyons in 1992 and later started eNicks online mating and stallion promotion service.
Werk is survived by a daughter, Kris, and a son, Steve.
A memorial service, yet to be scheduled, will be held in Fremont, Calif., and will be open to friends and family. For details, call Werk Thoroughbred Consultants. Phone: (510) 490-1111.