Larry Demeritte, a renowned horse trainer from the Bahamas, passed away at the age of 75 due to cardiac arrest. His wife, Inga, confirmed the sad news to the Louisville Courier-Journal. Demeritte had been battling cancer for many years before his untimely death.

Early Life and Career

Originally from the Bahamas, Demeritte moved to the United States in 1976. He attended his first Kentucky Derby in 1977, the year Seattle Slew won on his way to a Triple Crown sweep. This experience ignited his passion for horse racing, and he soon embarked on a career as a trainer.

A Dream Realized

In 2024, Demeritte achieved a lifelong dream by running a horse in the 150th Kentucky Derby. His horse, West Saratoga, finished 12th. Despite the modest finish, Demeritte was proud of his accomplishment. He was the second Black trainer since 1951 to participate in the Derby, following Hank Allen in 1989.

West Saratoga's Journey

West Saratoga, purchased for $11,000, became the pride of Demeritte's 11-horse stable at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington. Over his 13-race career, West Saratoga earned $473,418. Demeritte often said, 'I don't buy cheap horses. I buy good horses cheap,' a testament to his keen eye for talent.

Legacy and Impact

Demeritte was diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and underwent chemotherapy. Despite his health challenges, he continued to train horses and remained a beloved figure in the horse racing community. His engaging personality and wide smile made him a terrific ambassador for the sport.

Final Days

Demeritte's last race was on May 13, 2025, when Mendello finished fourth at Horseshoe Indianapolis. His career spanned over four decades, with 184 wins in 2,138 starts and purse earnings exceeding $5.3 million.

Industry Tributes

The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association released a statement honoring Demeritte: 'We're all so glad and proud that Larry achieved his dream of being in the Kentucky Derby with West Saratoga. Larry, with his backstory, engaging personality, and wide smile, was a terrific ambassador for horse racing, and the industry lost one of its bright lights with his passing.'