Larry Demeritte is just the second Black trainer since 1951 to saddle a horse for the Kentucky Derby
Larry Demeritte has run horses on Kentucky Derby day in the past, just never in the big race
By Beth Harris
Published - May 03, 2024, 11:40 AM ET
Last Updated - May 27, 2024, 01:03 AM EDT
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — If Larry Demeritte is looking for a positive sign heading into his first Kentucky Derby as a trainer, it's right where his horse is assigned.
Long-shot West Saratoga is staying in Barn 42 at Churchill Downs, the same location where Seattle Slew was before he won the 1977 Derby and went on to sweep the Triple Crown. It was the first Derby that Demeritte attended.
Now, he is the second Black trainer since 1951 to be saddling a horse in the big race, which has its 150th running on Saturday. The other, Hank Allen, finished sixth with Northern Wolf in 1989.
Black trainers dominated the Derby’s early years, winning seven of the first 17 from 1875-1891.
