Veteran reinsman Perry Ouzts defied the odds on Thursday at Belterra Park, winning with five of his seven mounts on the day. The wins included a natural hat trick in races two through four, and a late double in races six and seven.
Thursday's five wins came for five different trainers: Chris Hartman (Quiet Dawn, Race 2, $3.40); Susan Anderson (Drama Run, Race 3, $19.20); Doug Goodman (My Pal Dal, Race 4, $56.40); Robert Gorham (Northern Journey, Race 6, $2.60); and Barbara Riley (Aiken for Gold, Race 7, $4.00).
Perry Wayne Ouzts is the man! 🤯Putting a clinic on out at @BelterraPark! Just won 3 in a row! Closed 15 lengths back on 25/1 shot. pic.twitter.com/C9LH3lH1r5
— Blaise Bollman (@BlaiseLBC) June 25, 2020
The 65-year-old jockey recently returned to the races in mid-May, following nearly a 10-month break to recover from surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff.
Ouzts' injury occurred last year on July 28 at Belterra, when his mount's bit broke and the bridle came apart. The horse was not injured, but Ouzts had to be taken off the course via ambulance, and an MRI later indicated the damage to his shoulder.
It's hardly the first time the jockey has made the news for an injury. Perhaps the most memorable was in 2012, when Ouzts' “steel horse” was hit by a car at 65 miles per hour on I-275 outside of Cincinnati. Despite the motorcycle accident, Ouzts managed to arrive at what was then called River Downs in time to ride the entire card, even winning with his first two mounts of the day.
About five weeks after his return to the saddle, Ouzts' momentum is starting to pick up. He recorded doubles at Belterra on June 9, 10, and 24, and the five-win day this Thursday brings his overall total to 15 victories thus far in 2020.
He may turn 66 years old on July 7, but age is nothing but a number when you love what you do.
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