“I Can’t Focus”: $4,566,266 Worth Equestrian Trainer’s Dream Edges Closer as Beloved 2-Year-Old Wins Grade 3 Stakes

The equestrian community has witnessed a lot of inspiring stories and one of them is Larry Demeritte’s. He is a trainer worth $4,566,266 who has started from the lowest of his life with a bunch of problems surrounding him. And one of the biggest difficulties he has faced is his severe health problems. However, not a single thing could bring him down, and has been thriving to do the best he can.

He has always dreamt of securing a position at the Kentucky Derby. He has worked too hard and has come a long way with the same dream. And there is no doubt in the fact that he absolutely deserves it. He made his way to the inner equestrian world with his dedication and his dream despite all the difficulties. Let’s have a panoramic view of his journey with his equines and dedication.

The equestrian trainer talks about his Kentucky Dream 

Larry Demeritte’s dream of making it to the Kentucky Derby has been a lifelong one. He spent his childhood in the Bahamas and has always watched the Kentucky Derby. For 47 years he has been wanting to participate and win the event. To fulfill his dream, he moved to Kentucky when he was very young. However, the initial phases of trying to reach his goal weren’t easy.

He was given six months to live as he was suffering from multiple myeloma which is bone cancer and is called amyloidosis. This disease makes the body create abnormal proteins. Demeritte now for 6 1/2 years has been going through chemotherapy. He stated, “You know, I can’t focus on what’s going on with these frail bodies we have.” But the dedication and love this man has for equestrian sports is just commendable. Nothing could stop him from walking toward his goal.

According to the Paulick Report, even after so many difficulties, today he is one step closer after his 2-year-old colt West Saratoga won the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes beneath the Twin Spires. Nothing can be more inspirational than this. He expressed, “Life is like bumps in the road. Sometimes you hit some bumps, and sometimes it smooths out for you. That happened today for us, and I’m grateful.” And one of the most important parts of this journey for him is his equine West Saratoga.

Larry Demeritte opens up about his equine West Saratoga 

Demeritte has been extremely lucky with his choices in equines as he knows how to do his part well. After inculcating his expertise in the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, he made the finest decision of purchasing the $11,000 colt at the 2022 sale. From Lady Glamour to She’s That Cat, he has had the success he wanted. He expressed, “I go to the sales every year and we don’t buy a lot of horses, but we try to get horses that are gonna be racehorses.”

So, talking about West Saratoga, he mentioned that he took five starts to receive his first win. He ran three seconds, two at five furlongs and one at seven furlongs. And after this, he secured the first position when stretched out to a mile at Ellis Park. But his late start never bothered the trainer. He has the exquisite ability of training a horse and looking after its concern as well which he got from his father.

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He watched Saratoga slowly reach its peak and was extremely confident about him.  He told the owner Harry Veruchi that the other horses would have to run 1:36 to beat Saratoga as he prepared him for that. He brilliantly won the race from his rivals by 1 3/4 lengths. Now it’s time for him to get to his next stop at the Breeder’s Futurity at Keeneland on the 7th of October. Although the entire plan for him has not been set yet, Demeritte assured that he is enjoying the ride.

He also added, “Now, I’ve run a lot of horses on Derby Day, practicing for the Kentucky Derby, so when the day comes, I don’t have to be nervous!” A truly inspirational journey, the equestrian enthusiasts are on their toes for the Kentucky Derby to arrive to see what destiny has in store for Demritte next.

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