Racing world reflects on the life of Larry Demeritte

The horse-racing community is mourning the loss of trainer Larry Demeritte, who died Monday at age 75 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

A native of the Bahamas, Demeritte built a respected career in U.S. racing that spanned nearly five decades. He captured the hearts of racing fans across the country during the 150th Kentucky Derby when he saddled West Saratoga, who defied the odds to reach the sport’s biggest stage.

“I’ve finally made it,” Demeritte said during the walkover of Kentucky Derby 150.

Demeritte’s final victory came on New Year’s Day when Grace On Grace won the Gowell Stakes at Turfway Park.

“Larry Demeritte was a respected horseman whose legacy will be remembered across our sport,” Churchill Downs racetrack president Mike Anderson said. “He left a lasting impression on our Churchill Downs family and will be deeply missed.”

In the hours following news of his passing, tributes poured in on social media from across the racing industry. Trainers, jockeys and colleagues reflected on Demeritte’s legacy as a horseman, mentor and friend:

Joe Bealmear, jockey, “Rest in peace to a legend that I had the honor of knowing since my first memories. I thank God for allowing me to know and win for such a great man that watched me grow up from a little kid running around the Thoroughbred Center to the jockey I am today. I know he’s happy in the company of his Creator.”

Steve Byk, host of At the Races with Steve Byk. “Larry Demeritte successfully plied a craft quietly for decades and was inspirational to those that got to know him. The limelight and adoration he received from West Saratoga’s Derby couldn’t have been more perfectly timed or deserved.”

Kaitlin Free, Churchill Downs racing analyst. “The world’s light is much dimmer following Larry’s passing. Just saw him two weeks ago — unless you knew his private battle with cancer, you could never tell. He always had a smile on his face and kind words to spare.”

Sarah Hamilton, trainer. “What a lovely human to be around – always positive, would make you laugh every time you spoke with him. He was always smiling with a twinkle in his eye. My condolences to his friends and family. Grateful I got to meet such a beautiful soul.”

Kentucky HBPA. “We’re all so glad and proud that Larry achieved his dream of being in the Kentucky Derby with West Saratoga. It showed yet again that the little guy, with some luck and a lot of skill, can compete with stables with far greater numbers and bankroll. Larry, with his backstory, engaging personality and wide smile, was a terrific ambassador for horse racing, and the industry lost one of its bright lights with his passing. Our heart goes out to Inga. We hope she takes comfort knowing how many people loved Larry and will continue to get inspiration from him.”

Geena Lucille, jockey and FanDuel TV reporter. “Larry Demeritte is a big part of who I am today in the racing world. I broke horses for him on his farm, at 16 and he kept me safe on workers when I came to breeze. He was an incredible horseman and wonderfully humorous human being.”

Paul McEntee, trainer. “I have so many stories and memories of Larry to share and keep. Walking over with him last year for the Derby is something I’ll never forget. We laughed and joked this past spring at Keeneland. I hugged him while watching horses breeze and he joked that if I hugged him that hard again, I’d have to carry him after. After my 2-year-old ran third and his ran second, we laughed again and agreed we had to keep proving people wrong. Anyone can pick out the top-dollar yearlings, but only a few can do what we do every year, sitting in the back ring, watching all the horses together, trying to find the next star.”

Rogelio Miranda, jockey. “Thank you for the love and appreciation that you showed me through the years, giving me my first career win and a lot more. From the Bahamas to the Kentucky Derby, Larry Demeritte never stopped chasing dreams.”

Amanda Poston, jockey. “Larry was so kind and cared about his horses and his people so much. He put me on horses when I didn’t know anyone and needed a helping hand, including West Saratoga. He was a very bright light, and horse racing won’t feel the same without him.”

Mark Taylor, president and CEO of Taylor Made Farm. “Larry was so kind and positive. He had his priorities right and had faith in God. What a wonderful human being. God bless his soul.”

Karyn Wittek, trainer. “I first met Larry at Belterra a few years ago. My phone was dead and I needed a charger. He charged my phone, drove me up to the paddock for my race, my horse won, and we always joked he was my lucky charm. Every time you saw him, he was always smiling.”