Larry Demeritte, a 74-year-old horse trainer from the Bahamas, is making history as one of the few Black trainers to participate in the Kentucky Derby, a prestigious event with a history of 150 years. Demeritte, who has been in the profession for 48 years, is competing in the Derby for the first time with his horse, West Saratoga, which he purchased for $11,000. His participation marks a significant moment as he is the first Black trainer with a Derby entrant since 1989 and only the second since 1951. Demeritte's journey to the Churchill Downs barns has been long and challenging, coming from the Caribbean. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing how much he is enjoying the experience.
Larry Demeritte is just the second Black trainer since 1951 with a horse in the Kentucky Derby, a race that was dominated in its early years by winning Black trainers. https://t.co/dIq2av0tHp
Larry Demeritte is the second Black trainer since 1951 to be saddling a horse in the Kentucky Derby, which has its 150th running on Saturday. https://t.co/i3qog24mL4
The Kentucky Derby’s first Black trainer in 35 years has defied the odds throughout his four-decade career. Larry Demeritte is a native of the Bahamas, in a profession in which Black trainers are a rarity. @DanaONeilWriter on his legacy ⤵️ https://t.co/CT7kIdiPlr https://t.co/EAHjjeSKaV
🏇🏾 Larry Demeritte joins rare company as Black trainer to saddle a horse for the #KentuckyDerby. “We're so grateful to be here and enjoying every single minute." https://t.co/cEgDLUBScE
Larry Demeritte joins rare company as Black trainer to saddle a horse for the Kentucky Derby https://t.co/EE0rPS8hzX
Larry Demeritte is the first Black trainer with a Derby entrant since 1989. He purchased his horse West Saratoga for $11,000. And the journey to get to the Churchill Downs barns from the Caribbean has been long. @DanaOneilWriter with more. https://t.co/CT7kIdiPlr https://t.co/kTG4PG9VQc
Larry Demeritte is a native of the Bahamas, in a profession in which Black trainers are a rarity. The 74-year-old is competing in his first Kentucky Derby 48 years in the making. @DanaOneilWriter on his story.
Kentucky Derby dream: Larry Demeritte is soaking up his late-career climax in the unlikeliest of ways https://t.co/LvcNEcjhEI
New Kentucky Derby feature: "Doctors can't count." Cancer can wait while buoyant 70something trainer Larry Demeritte has an improbable Derby dream to fulfill. https://t.co/D7t2fM8CPd