This 71-year-old jockey has saddled up in more than 53,000 races. He doesn’t plan to stop soon

This 71-Year-Old Jockey Has Ridden in Over 53,000 Races. He’s Not Done Yet

This 71 year old jockey has saddled – In the heart of Saratoga Springs, New York, a town steeped in the elegance of the Victorian era, Saturday afternoon will see the convergence of wealth and tradition as elite horsemen and spectators gather. The racecourse, with its cobblestone streets and timeless charm, remains a stage for some of the sport’s most thrilling contests. This year, the Belmont Stakes—though not held at the traditional Belmont Park—will again grace the Saratoga Race Course, drawing attention despite the absence of the Triple Crown. The event’s allure lies in the presence of top-tier competitors, including Golden Tempo, the Kentucky Derby winner, and other favorites like Commandment and Renegade. Amid this grand spectacle, one figure remains a familiar sight: Perry Wayne Ouzts, a jockey whose career has spanned over five decades and 53,736 races.

A Career Built on Perseverance

Ouzts, now 71, has become a testament to the resilience required in the world of horse racing. While fame and fortune often elude the sport’s participants, his journey reflects a quieter dedication. With a lean frame and a career that defies the typical trajectory, Ouzts has turned the jockey’s life into a lifelong pursuit. His path began in Riverdale, Arkansas, where he was raised in a household that viewed horse racing as an eccentric hobby rather than a viable profession. Yet, for Ouzts, it was a calling that took root early.

At the age of 10, he submitted an essay to his teacher, outlining his dream of becoming a professional jockey. By 18, he had realized that dream, marking the start of a career that has since become a record-breaking saga. His ability to maintain the same weight—110 pounds—for over 50 years speaks to the strict regimen he follows. While many jockeys face the grueling challenge of cutting weight to meet racing standards, Ouzts has avoided the pitfalls of this practice, adhering to a disciplined diet that keeps him in peak condition.

The Unforgiving World of Jockeying

Riding horses for a living is a profession that demands more than just skill—it requires a relentless work ethic, physical stamina, and the courage to endure risks. A recent study by New Zealand veterinarians sought to quantify the average career span of jockeys, revealing a range of 10.9 to 15.9 years, with most careers lasting less than a decade. However, Ouzts has shattered this expectation, logging over 53,000 starts and continuing to ride with the same fervor as a teenager.

His longevity is partly attributed to a lifestyle that prioritizes consistency. Each day begins with a light morning workout, followed by a breakfast of coffee and Sweet‘N Lo, paired with two sweet rolls. Midday, he refers to this as “supper,” eating cheese and crackers or a ham and cheese sandwich. If an afternoon snack is needed, he opts for fruit. His evenings are more flexible, with dinner tailored to his preference, occasionally ending with a slice of ice cream. These routines, simple yet effective, have allowed him to maintain his physicality and mental focus, setting him apart in a field where burnout is common.

Ouzts’s career has also been shaped by a unique set of circumstances. During the height of the Vietnam War, he registered for the draft but was rejected due to his small stature and slim build. This setback, rather than discouraging him, reinforced his commitment to his chosen path. His cousins, who lived nearby, played a pivotal role in steering him toward the sport. While his family showed little interest, his cousins were deeply involved in horse racing—some as trainers, others as riders or show horse enthusiasts. Their influence was the catalyst for Ouzts’s eventual success.

A Legacy Beyond the Track

Even as the sport evolved around him, Ouzts remained a constant presence. In 1973, he won his first race in Chicago, a city that became a training ground for his early career. This year, he has competed in 15,413 races since Secretariat’s legendary 1973 Triple Crown, a period during which the horse’s 31-length Belmont victory captivated the nation. While Secretariat’s jockey, Pat Day, retired in 2005, Ouzts continues to ride, often on six or seven horses each day, a testament to his enduring passion.

“I can’t explain it,” Ouzts once said to CNN Sports. “I never found anything better than being on horseback. It just always felt like home.” His words capture the essence of a life spent in motion, where the thrill of the racecourse outweighs the weariness of a long career. The deep lines on his face, etched by years of running headlong into the wind, are the only visible markers of his age. Yet, his body and mind remain sharp, a result of the disciplined habits he has maintained for decades.

Ouzts’s journey is not just a personal triumph but a story of how the sport’s traditions and challenges shape its participants. While the path to stardom for many jockeys is fraught with injury, financial instability, and early retirement, Ouzts has carved a different narrative. He jokes about the physical toll of his work, noting that some of his former colleagues now struggle to walk. “They look horrible,” he says, contrasting their decline with his own continued vitality. This resilience has earned him a reputation among peers as someone who “just keeps going,” a phrase that encapsulates his philosophy.

The nickname “Scoot ‘N Boot” is a nod to his ability to burst from the starting gate with explosive speed. This skill, combined with his calm demeanor under pressure, has made him a reliable presence in the saddle. Yet, his success is not just about technique—it’s about the unwavering dedication he brings to every ride. From the moment he grabs the reins, Ouzts seems to embody the very essence of contentment, a rare state for those in high-stakes professions. His horses, like his own body, are a reflection of his discipline and care.

As the racing world continues to evolve, Ouzts stands as a living reminder of the