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Ouzts loses irons, but finds a way to win
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| Veteran Perry Ouzts wins one the old-fashioned way
(Courtesy of John Englehardt/River Downs) |
Jockey Perry Ouzts pulled a new trick out of his helmet at River
Downs on Monday. The 55-year-old veteran was astride 6-5 favorite EASTER
ARRIVAL (Brolly) in the 2ND race, and as the starting gate broke open,
so did the buckle that holds his iron attached to the saddle on his
right side.
For about a sixteenth of a mile he rode with one boot dangling and
the other in his right iron.
"It was really awkward, and I was afraid the horse might get out, so
I just took my other boot out of the irons," said Ouzts, who is riding
at River Downs for the 37th season.
With his legs holding him to the horse, Ouzts moved quickly from
fourth to first around the sloppy far turn.
"When we straightened out in the lane I told him, 'Don't give up on
me now -- we've come too far this way not to win it now,'" the rider
recalled. "I started diggin' in with my boot heels and he took off!"
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Easter Arrival drove past the finish line 1 3/4 lengths in front of the
second-place horse in the maiden claimer.
When Ouzts returned to the winner's circle, he was greeted by fans shaking
their heads.
"What's in store next week, you gonna ride one backwards?" shouted one
onlooker.
"I'm turning you in to the stewards for impersonating an Indian," Clerk of
Scales Felix Chavez jested.
After weighing out, Ouzts posed for photos with students from the Butler Tech
Equine Science Program, in his hand he held a $100 dollar bill.
"Dale Shade, the trainer gave this to me after the race," said Ouzts. "He
said thanks for the extra effort."
A winner of 22 riding titles at River Downs and more than 5,200 career
victories, Ouzts is currently the leading jockey, with his nearest rival 21 wins
behind him.
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