As I look back on the 2024 racing year, there were many incredible things to absorb. There is plenty to look back on for a small time track. Racing was just as hot, and tickets were cashed like the big boys. Once told a long-time friend, “It wasn’t meant to be Belmont, and it’s not. It’s a place for horses to run and other claimers to ply their trade.” 

I’ve watched riders of all sorts over the years, and this year was no different. You see those using the small tine oval as the stepping stone to bigger things, and other riders getting a little older but still able to make it happen. – This year had me watching Irving Moncada who was voted apprentice of the meet, Oscar Villareal who only gets better with each mount, and Yoel Navas who rides with the tenacity of a journeyman rider who is not afraid to shoot the gap along the rail or “get low for the dough” and ride hard past the wire. – I’m sure we’ll hear plenty from these young men over the years.

Larry Smith is the definition of a gentleman horseman. He notched another title in 2024, and I’m sure it won’t be his last. Smith rides Perry Ouzts quite a bit and both being about the same age allows them to get on the lead and play catch me if you can. Both do their talking on the track and neither will be mistaken for the guy doing all the talking in the paddock. I love seeing his Stetson in the paddock and no instructions are necessary. Larry Smith brings them ready. All you need to add is the saddling equipment and give the rider a leg up.

Perry Ouzts is 70-years-old. Most would be found trying to play a round of golf, watching the grandkids, or catching the baseball game asleep in the recliner. Not for Perry. – Up at 5:30am and works out five or six in the mornings and back home for cheese and crackers and back to the races. Somedays he has two mounts, and others he rides the whole card. – This year Perry became the oldest rider to win a stakes race. Ouzts won the $75,000 Loyalty Stakes aboard Just Like Rambo going away into the pages of history once again. – I asked Perry if he was ready to hang up his tack. “Nope. I’m gonna come back next year and nail down Russell Baze’s record of 53,578 mounts. I’m only 150 away, and I want to do it here at Belterra Park.” – After that, we’ll see how things are going. I might just keep riding, or hang it up and work horses for my wife. Either way, it’s been a great journey.

I loved every race of the 93-day meet. Noel Herman notched his first career win, and former groom Jerry Dixon Jr. who took care of Derby winner Rich Strike grabbed his first win as a trainer. Miss a day, and you miss a lot. – I’m already counting the days as I watch football and Keeneland at the same time. – See you at the races!