Ouzts rides in 46,000th race of his career

Perry Ouzts is one of only three jockeys to have ridden in 46,000th races (Photo courtesy of River Downs)

When veteran jockey Perry Ouzts dismounted after the 6TH race at Turfway Park
on Friday, he had reached another milestone in his long
career — his 46,000th race.

Only Hall of Fame riders Russell Baze and Laffit Pincay Jr.
have ridden in more races that Ouzts, who began his career in 1973.

“It’s kind of like traveling almost twice around the world on horseback,” Ouzts said.
“That’s about how many miles I’ve traveled. There’s
only one person I know of who loves to ride as much as I do, and that’s Russell
Baze.

“I love to win. The rest of it — the rest of the races, working horses in the
morning — that’s work. But winning? There’s nothing like it. It doesn’t matter
what kind of race it is. I get the same feeling every time.”

The milestone ride came one race after his mount in the
5TH race, Runaway Dan, bolted sideways out of the gate and forced another
horse against the rail, unseating its rider and Ouzts as well. Neither rider was
injured.

Ouzts is one of just 16 jockeys in history to win at least
6,000 races. Through Friday, his win total stands at 6,184, including Friday’s
4TH race aboard Dakota Dim. He hit the 6,000-win milestone on September 29, 2012,
at Turfway.

“I’d really, really like to get
past my cousin Earlie Fires in wins,” Ouzts said looking ahead. “He’s got 6,470, so it’s doable. But then
I’ll probably go on for seven (thousand).”