On his way to and from Keeneland's Jockey Quarters for Sunday's first race, 66-year-old rider Perry Ouzts received a series of shout outs and congratulations from those on hand at the Lexington, Ky., track. The accolades were for his latest milestone: becoming North America's sixth all-time leading rider by wins on the Oct. 9 closing-day program at Belterra Park near Cincinnati.
The victory that day was the 7,142nd of Ouzts' career, pushing him one win ahead of Hall of Famer Chris McCarron and holding him steady as the leader among active jockeys. Congratulations arrived via texts, calls and videos from numerous fans, including McCarron and Hall of Famer Pat Day, while an especially meaningful greeting came from retired trainer W.J. Danner, who provided Ouzts with his first victory on April 2, 1973, at Beulah Park in Ohio.
Ouzts' Keeneland mount on Sunday, Maurice Miller's homebred It's Summer, finished fifth.
“It is very special to come to Keeneland, but it is harder to win,” said Ouzts, who has ridden here sparingly during his career and has five wins. “Horses at Keeneland are a much higher level than the ones at Belterra.”
Ouzts will be at Keeneland a little in the coming days. In Friday's second race, he is named to ride Jerome Russell and Kristina Russell's She's No Drama.
Sunday's ride aboard It's Summer was business as usual for Ouzts, who said he pays little attention to his statistics. With no plans for retirement, Ouzts expects to compete this winter in Northern Kentucky at Turfway Park, where he has been a regular for nearly 50 years. His summer base is Belterra (formerly River Downs.)
“I get through the day, turn the page and go to the next day,” said Ouzts, who attributes his success to dedication, determination, desire to win – and a naturally light physique.
On the list of all-time leading riders by wins, Ouzts trails only Russell Baze (12,842 wins), Laffit Pincay Jr. (9,530), Bill Shoemaker (8,833), Pat Day (8,803) and David Gall (7,396).
“I have never found anything else that gives me that thrill (of winning) every time, no matter if it is an (ordinary) race or a stakes race,” Ouzts said. “I get that same thrill every time. That is what keeps me going. As long as I can keep winning, I will keep on riding.”
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