“He Meant The World To Me And My Family”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Bahamians and horse racing fans woke up to the sad news today, the country’s first horse trainer Larry Demeritte passed away overnight, after a long battle with cancer.

His decorated career spans decades, from a young trainer here in The Bahamas, all the way to the glamour of the Kentucky Derby.

Our News spoke with a few who knew and loved him.

Just about a year ago, Larry Demeritte raced his way Into the hearts of Bahamians and horse racing fans, with his Kentucky Derby entry, West Saratoga.

His decades-long career began as a young stable boy at Hobby Horse Hall Racetrack on Cable Beach.

Almost 50 years after leaving home, he was catapulted into the headlines, fulfilling his dream with an entry into the 150th Kentucky Derby last year.

He was the first Bahamian and only third Black trainer since 1951.

But for his wife Inga, he was simply a loving husband and father.

Inga Demeritte – Wife of Larry Demeritte

“He meant the world to me he was caring. My three sons they are his step children but he took them in as his own. Gave them good advice, wanted everyone to succeed he was a mentor to many young people.”

Aside from his love for horses, Inga describes Larry as a man who loved church, children with special needs and his friends.

Like doctor Valentino Grant.

Dr. Valentino Grant – Friend of Larry Demeritte

“It was in Lexington we met each other I heard about this amazing Bahamian horse trainer and I wanted to meet him, so I flew to Lexington you know we met each other, we hit it off immediately like two kindred spirits.”

His was a lifetime of success, with wins across the U.S. racing circuit.

Equestrian Bahamas President Cathy Pierre Calls him a hero for many young riders.

Cathy Ramsingh-Perre – President of Equestrian Bahamas

“In everything that he said and the experiences he shared it epitomized for me the wish and the wisdom of that generation of Bahamian he belonged to he made me feel proud to be a Bahamian to be a Bahamian equestrian.”

Last July Larry told On The Record host Jerome Sawyer his dream of having the sport return to his beloved Bahamas.

Larry Demeritte – Horse Trainer

“We will increase the tourist if we had horse racing, because people in Florida will come here they will stable here in the winter time not the summer time they’ll be on vacation.”