Veteran Jockey, 71, Continues Racing After 53,000 Rides

WHO:

CNN - Perry Wayne Ouzts, a 71-year-old jockey.

CBS News - Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., trainer Todd Pletcher, trainer Cherie DeVaux, trainer Bill Mott, and trainer Brad Cox.

WHAT:

CNN - Ouzts has participated in over 53,736 races and has 7,534 wins, ranking fifth among US jockeys.

CBS News - The Belmont Stakes will feature nine horses, including Golden Tempo, Renegade, and Commandment.

CBS News - Renegade is the morning-line favorite for the Belmont with 2-1 odds.

CBS News - The Belmont Stakes will be run at 1 1/4 miles instead of the usual 1 1/2 miles due to the configuration of the Saratoga Race Course.

CBS News - The Belmont Stakes is part of the Triple Crown series for 3-year-olds.

WHERE:

CNN - Saratoga Springs, New York, where the Belmont Stakes will be held.

CBS News - Belmont Park on Long Island, New York, is expected to host the Belmont Stakes again in 2027.

WHEN:

CBS News - The Belmont Stakes is scheduled for a Saturday with an approximate post time of 7:04 p.m. ET.

CBS News - The Belmont Stakes has been held at Saratoga Race Course since 2024.

WHY:

CNN - Ouzts continues to race because he finds contentment in riding horses, stating, “I can’t explain it. I never found anything better than being on horseback.”

HOW:

CNN - Ouzts maintains a disciplined lifestyle, including a specific meal prep routine and regular workouts to stay fit for racing.

CBS News - Ortiz will ride Renegade in the Belmont, as he did in the Kentucky Derby, seeking his third Belmont victory.

(UPDATED June 5, 2026 11:57 UTC)

Jockey Perry Wayne Ouzts, at 71 years old, has had an impressive career with over 53,736 races and 7,534 wins, making him the fifth-ranked jockey in the U.S. The upcoming Belmont Stakes, set to take place at Saratoga Springs, New York, will feature nine horses, with Renegade as the morning-line favorite at 2-1 odds, and is scheduled for a Saturday with an approximate post time of 7:04 p.m. ET. Ouzts, who continues to race for the joy of riding, maintains a disciplined lifestyle, while Irad Ortiz Jr. will ride Renegade, aiming for his third Belmont victory.