Churchill Downs Update: Racing World Reflects on the Life of Larry Demeritte

May 22, 2025

The horse racing community is mourning the loss of trainer Larry Demeritte, who died Monday at age 75 following 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,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “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.”
TARNEEMA MADE SLIGHT 3-1 MORNING LINE FAVORITE IN WIDE-OPEN KEERTANA – Shadwell Stable’s Tarneema, a beaten favorite one month ago in a first-level allowance at Keeneland, was tabbed as the 3-1 morning line favorite in Saturday’s wide-open 12th edition of the $250,000 Keertana (Listed) at Churchill Downs.

Run at 1 ½ miles on the Matt Winn Turf Course, the Keertana Stakes is the headliner on the 10-race program. The field of eight turf marathoners will go to post at 4:55 p.m. (all times Eastern) in Race 9. First post is 12:45 p.m.

The field for the Keertana from the rail out (with jockey, trainer and morning line odds):

Dreaming of Mo (Corey Lanerie, Dale Romans, 8-1)
Tarneema (Ben Curtis, Brendan Walsh, 3-1)
Holy Foley (Mario Gutierrez, Brian Lynch, 8-1)
Strikingly Spun (Jose Ortiz, Joe Sharp, 7-2)
Marksman Queen (GB) (Frankie Dettori, Graham Motion, 6-1)
Sugaree (IRE) (Luan Machado, Arnaud Delacour, 9-2)
Boss Lady Bailey (Luis Saez, Mike Maker, 4-1)
Dazzlin’ Dictator (Florent Geroux, Rodolphe Brisset, 12-1)
Fans can watch and wager on all the action from Churchill Downs on www.twinspires.com, the official wagering provider of Churchill Downs Incorporated and the Kentucky Derby.

For more information about the Churchill Downs Spring Meet, visit www.churchilldowns.com.

TWO SHARP SET FOR RETURN IN GRADE III, $250,000 WINnING COLORS – Rigney Racing’s ultra-talented filly Two Sharp is set to make her 4-year-old debut Monday against eight rivals entered in the 22nd running of the $250,000 Winning Colors (Grade III) at Churchill Downs.

Two Sharp, a dominant 5 ¾-length winner of the Chilukki Stakes (GIII) to close her 3-year-old campaign, has been preparing for her return since early April. The speedy daughter of Twirling Candy was well-regarded throughout her five-race career, never going off at odds higher than 4-5. Two Sharp broke her maiden at second asking by 11 ¼ lengths at Saratoga, then finished a close second to Brightwork in the Prioress (GIII). She followed that effort with a 6 ¼-length allowance win at Keeneland before her Chilukki victory. Junior Alvarado will ride from post No. 9.

The aforementioned Brightwork is also slated to return in Monday’s Winning Colors. Owned by WSS Racing and trained by John Ortiz, Brightwork has been on the sidelines since finishing third in the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (GII) on Oct. 5 at Keeneland. She began her career with four consecutive victories, including the Debutante Stakes (Listed), Adirondack (GIII) and Spinaway (GI). After off-the-board finishes in the Alcibiades (GI) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) when trying two turns, she rebounded with a win in the Prioress after cutting back to one turn. John Velazquez will ride from the rail.

The Winning Colors field also includes multiple Grade III winner Hope Road, who recently finished second to Kopion in the Derby City Distaff (GI) and Mink’s Palace, winner of the Roxelana Stakes (Listed) on opening night of the Spring Meet.

The field for the Winning Colors from the rail out (with jockey and trainer):

Brightwork (Velazquez, Ortiz)
Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, Ian Wilkes)
Benedetta (Keith Asmussen, Steve Asmussen)
Easy Red (Ben Curtis, Eddie Kenneally)
Harbor Springs (Edgar Morales, Greg Foley)
Miss Arlington (Abel Cedillo, Brian Williamson)
Hope Road (Florent Geroux, Bob Baffert)
Mink’s Palace (Jose Ortiz, Eddie Kenneally)
Two Sharp (Alvarado, Bauer)
The nine-race Memorial Day program will begin at 12:45 p.m. (all times Eastern). The six-furlong Winning Colors is scheduled as Race 8 with a post time of 4:22 p.m.

Monday is Military Appreciation Day at Churchill Downs with all active and retired military members can enjoy lunch on Millionaires’ Row for just $45. General Admission for active-duty military and retired veterans is free with a military ID. To purchase tickets, call (502) 636-4450.

TwinSpires will offer horseplayers a Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (“BCBC”) qualifier on Monday. The $800 entry, which includes a $400 live bankroll with the other $400 going to the prize pool, guarantees at least one seat to the BCBC, with additional seats for 50 or more entries. To register, visit www.twinspires.com/bet/tournaments/495/details.

For more information about the Churchill Downs Spring Meet, visit www.churchilldowns.com.

DOWN THE STRETCH – Racing continued Thursday for the start of a five-day week with the first of eight races at 5 p.m. for Twilight Thursday. On-track fans could enjoy $2 domestic beer, live music by Kevin Niehoff and local food trucks Annie Up Pizza Cones, Black Rock Grille, Flavaville and Romiro’s Mexican. … The 20-cent Derby City 6 Jackpot stood at $12,595 and began in Race 3. … Racing will continue Friday-Monday with first posts of 12:45 p.m. … Monday is Military Appreciation Day and all active-duty military and veterans can receive free general admission with a valid military ID. A discounted rate of $45 for Millionaires’ Row tickets is available for military members by calling (502) 636-4450. … “Inside Churchill Downs” will air Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN Louisville and feature a recap of the Preakness Stakes plus a look ahead at the weekend cards at Churchill Downs. Catch the one-hour show locally on ESPN 680/105.7 or worldwide at www.espnlouisville.com. … For the latest information about the Churchill Downs Spring Meet, visit www.churchilldowns.com.