This 71-year-old jockey has saddled up in more than 53,000 races. He doesn’t plan to stop soon
A Legacy Etched in the Rhythm of the Track
This 71 year old jockey has saddled – In the heart of New York’s Saratoga Springs, a town steeped in Victorian-era charm, the atmosphere on Saturday afternoons transforms into a unique blend of tradition and excitement. Here, horses stride confidently across the streets, their presence as routine as the autumn leaves that drift through the air. While the Belmont Stakes, a staple of horse racing, will once again take place at Saratoga Race Course this year due to ongoing $455 million renovations at Belmont Park, the absence of the Triple Crown’s prestige doesn’t dim the event’s allure. The field will still draw crowds, fueled by the presence of elite athletes like Golden Tempo, the Kentucky Derby winner, and other contenders such as Commandment and Renegade. Yet, amidst the spotlight, one figure remains a quiet legend: Perry Wayne Ouzts, a jockey whose career spans over five decades and has defied the odds of a profession known for its brevity and brutality.
Defying the Odds of a Demanding Career
Ouzts, now 71, holds a record that few can match: 53,736 career starts as a North American jockey. This staggering number, accumulated over 53 years of relentless dedication, underscores his extraordinary commitment to the sport. Unlike many in the industry who retire in their 30s, Ouzts has carved a path that few dare to follow. His persistence is a testament to a life lived not for fame, but for fulfillment. While his horses never adorned the grandeur of a Triple Crown celebration, and his races rarely graced national broadcasts, Ouzts finds contentment in the simplicity of his craft. “I never found anything better than being on horseback,” he once said to CNN Sports. “It just always felt like home.”
The journey to this point was not without its challenges. At just 10 years old, Ouzts penned a letter to his teacher, declaring his ambition to become a jockey—a decision that would shape his life. By 18, he had realized that dream, and for the next 53 years, he has risen each morning to embrace it again. His longevity in the sport is remarkable, especially considering the average jockey’s career spans between 10.9 and 15.9 years, as revealed by a study conducted by New Zealand veterinarians. This “strongly skewed distribution toward the lower end” highlights the unforgiving nature of the profession, which demands discipline, stamina, and an unyielding tolerance for risk. Yet Ouzts has remained unshaken, his passion undimmed by the physical toll or the fleeting nature of fame.
The Making of a Jockey: Roots and Resilience
His story began in Riverdale, Arkansas, where the road to success was paved with determination. Ouzts’ decision to pursue jockeying was not easily swayed by the options of the time. While factory jobs and the draft were available, they held no allure for him. “Too small and too skinny,” he was told when registering for the draft during the Vietnam War. This rejection only reinforced his resolve. The jockey’s family, though close-knit, had no particular interest in the sport. However, his cousins, who lived nearby, became his guiding light. Some were trainers, others jockeys, and a few worked with show horses. They planted the seeds of his ambition, and Ouzts nurtured them with unwavering focus, eventually leaving for Chicago to refine his skills.
By March 1973, Ouzts had already won his first race, a feat that marked the beginning of a journey now spanning over half a century. The era was electric, with events like Secretariat’s Triple Crown triumph capturing the nation’s imagination. Just two months after Ouzts’ early success at Beulah Park near Columbus, Ohio, Secretariat’s legendary run—a 31-length win at the Belmont Stakes—cemented the horse’s place in history. While Pat Day, Secretariat’s jockey, retired in 2005, Ouzts continues to ride with the same vigor. “I see a lot of guys that I knew, they can barely walk,” he remarked. “They look horrible. I’m still getting on six, seven horses a day.” This vivid contrast underscores the resilience that defines his career.
The Art of Staying Light: A Lifestyle of Discipline
Ouzts’ ability to maintain his weight—110 pounds—for over 50 years is a remarkable achievement in itself. It reflects a lifestyle of strict discipline, one that has kept him competitive well beyond his peers. His routine is a blend of simplicity and precision: mornings begin with a light workout, followed by breakfast, which consists of coffee with Sweet‘N Lo and two sweet rolls. Midday, he calls it “supper,” and opts for cheese and crackers or a ham and cheese sandwich. If a midday snack is needed, fruit fills the gap. Dinner is more flexible, with occasional indulgences like ice cream. This disciplined approach to nutrition is critical in a sport where weight management is paramount, and it has allowed Ouzts to avoid the pitfalls of cutting weight that often plague shorter careers.
His dedication extends beyond the physical. Ouzts quit drinking more than 25 years ago, a decision that aligns with his broader commitment to health and longevity. This lifestyle choice, coupled with his consistent training regimen, has enabled him to stay active and present on the track. The lines on his face, deep and weathered, tell a story of a life lived in motion—yet they are the only visible signs of his age, a stark contrast to the youth of his fellow riders. “It’s not just about the horses,” he explained. “It’s about the rhythm, the connection, the way everything comes together.”
From the Starting Gate to a Legacy
Ouzts’ nickname, “Scoot ‘N Boot,” is a nod to his lightning-fast starts, a skill that has earned him respect in the racing community. His ability to launch from the gate with precision is a hallmark of his expertise, even as the sport evolves around him. The jockey’s consistency is a rarity in an industry where the average career is fleeting. While many jockeys struggle to maintain their edge for more than a decade, Ouzts has defied that norm, proving that passion and discipline can extend a career far beyond its typical span.
His story is not just one of endurance, but of adaptation. As the racing world changes—new technologies, shifting trends, and younger talent emerging—Ouzts remains a fixture. He is a living testament to the idea that success in the sport is not solely about the number of wins, but about the unyielding love for the ride. “I can’t explain it,” he admitted. “There’s something about the way the horse moves, the way the track feels under your feet, that just makes you want to keep going.”
For Ouzts, the track is more than a place of work; it’s a sanctuary. The challenges of the profession—long hours, physical strain, and the constant need to adapt—have only strengthened his bond with the sport. As he continues to ride, his legacy grows, not in the form of trophies or headlines, but in the quiet dedication that defines his existence. His journey is a reminder that the path to fulfillment often lies in the simplest of pursuits, and that contentment, for some, is the ultimate reward. With each race, Ouzts proves that age is not a barrier but a badge of honor in a world where few have the stamina to ride as long as he has.
The Future of a Horseman
Even as the years add up, Ouzts shows no signs of slowing down. His days are filled with the familiar sounds of hoofbeats and the rhythmic cadence of a well-trained mount. He has become a symbol of perseverance in a field where careers are often short-lived. “I never thought much about the other options,” he said. “I just knew I wanted to ride.” This unshakable belief has carried him through the peaks and valleys of the sport, from the early days of his career to the present, where he remains a vital part of the racing world.
As the Belmont Stakes draws crowds and the race course buzzes with anticipation, Ouzts’ story continues to inspire. His ability to remain in the saddle for over five decades is a feat that transcends statistics, embodying a life lived with purpose and passion. In a profession where the average career is measured in years, not decades, his journey stands as a beacon of what’s possible when dedication is matched with discipline. With each start, he writes another chapter, ensuring that his name will be etched into the annals of horse racing history—not as a fleeting star, but as a steadfast legend.