Starting off my day at work seemed about as normal as possible.  Blue skies and sunshine gleamed over the hills of Kentucky and glanced off the brilliant Ohio River. I walk into the jock’s room and the daily banter of how riders did yesterday and how many mounts await held the conversation. It was until one rider quietly came in and the room seemed to dim in volume. It was Perry Ouzts, and he was one win away from passing the late David Gall for being the 5th all-time leading rider. – Most watched like little kids at the star in the room with a wide-eyed gaze. Riding with a 69-year-old man who was knocking on the door of history was enough to make you draw a breath and glance in awe.

Perry had ridden a few days before on a beautiful Saturday and had six solid mounts. He only needed one win and had four seconds and a third-place finish. Good day at the office, but not quite what Perry Ouzts was looking for. – He was a long way from that rainy day at Beulah Park in 1973 when Rablu carried him home to be his first career win. But, for a competitor like Perry Ouzts the thrill of winning races never waned. It only grew over time; as he jogged back to the winner’s circle, he savored the win like a fine cigar or a vintage wine.

When Perry Wayne Ouzts rode Lanalikeschoochoos to victory by 5 3/4 lengths, he had finally notched career win #7,397 over the Belterra Park oval.  – He was a long way from Lepanto, Arkansas, and his journey had brought him to his biggest milestone to date. – Greeted by throngs of fans, riders, press, and track managers. Perry Ouzts was center stage when the large infield board showed video well wishes from Pat Day, Edgar Prado, Steve Cauthen, and long-time friend and PR manager John Englehardt who covered his career for over 33 years.

The celebration slowly wore down and the business of racing was making its way back to the jock’s room to prepare for the next race. – I called to speak to Perry and congratulate him on his big day. – During our conversation he let me know “he was only three wins away from career win #7,400.” That’s Perry. The truest definition of a competitor and always looking forward. – He was grateful and informed that Pat Day had just called him.” That’s pretty cool, man. Pat Day calling me.” 

I’ve watched Perry Ouzts since I was a young lad with my dad in the summer sun of River Downs. Watching his rapid-fire crop coax his horses to the wire was a sight to behold. He was great at speed, and closers, and even held his own on the turf. Perry was a “big fish in the little pond,” and that is just the way he liked it. He was close to home, his family, and his long-time wife Toni. There was no place in the world he would have ever wanted to ride besides his own backyard.

As the pages of history etched his name among the pantheon of all-time greats, this humble man lets his riding skills do his talking instead of wasting time telling you how he did it. – He did it his way. One at a time, and savored each win like his first. I’ve never seen a rider who relishes winning like Perry Ouzts, and I don’t think I will ever see this again in my lifetime.

Thank you for the many thrills, big wins, and exciting finishes. – This fan will always remember each and every win, and how you slowly jog back to the winner’s circle savoring each step like it was your very first win in 1973.