National

The Goal Was To Get To The Kentucky Derby

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – On his first visit since the race, this renowned trainer, reminisced about his childhood around the hobby horse hall racetrack.

Published

5 months ago

July 17, 2024

Jerome Sawyer

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It was the interview of a lifetime for a horse lover like myself. Larry Demeritte arrived at Mariposa Stables with an entourage of his wife, siblings, and close friends.

Little over two months before this meeting, like thousands of Bahamians, I had only just heard of horse trainer Demeritte and his Kentucky Derby entry West Saratoga.

The first Bahamian to bring a horse to the prestigious derby.

On his first visit since the race, this renowned trainer, reminisced about his childhood around the Hobby Horse Hall racetrack. Where his father and many other Bahamians reared and raced horses on world the famous grounds. All that remains today is a street named in its honor on Cable Beach where it once stood.

Larry left home in 1976 – the year before the track closed for good.

He’s had a lifetime of success. His horses bringing big wins across the United States racing circuit.

A cancer survivor, he’s set on getting another shot at The Kentucy Derby crown and he’s hoping that his beloved sport is someday reintroduced to the his beloved country.

Of course, an interview with a horse trainer, at a stable with dozens of horses was just too tempting.

My team insisted I show what I was made of and much like Larry, I’m gonna keep trying – even after all these years.