Larry Demeritte, a distinguished horse trainer from the Bahamas, passed away at 75 on May 19, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky, due to cardiac arrest after a long battle with cancer.
The respected horse trainer, Demeritte, faced serious health challenges; in 1996, he was diagnosed with bone cancer.
In 2018, he was diagnosed with another rare disease and told he had six months left. But Demeritte defied medical prognoses.
He kept going with the faith, and the love for horses strengthened him. Even when he was tired or in pain, he went to the barn daily because the horse made him happy.
Demeritte’s strong willpower and positive outlook inspired many. Mark Taylor, president and CEO of Taylor Farm, said:
Larry was so kind and positive. He would make me smile in Books 5 and back, which wasn’t easy.
He is survived by his wife, Inga Demeritte, and kids; although precise details surrounding them remain concealed.
Born in the Bahamas, Demeritte grew up around horses, learning from his father, Thomas.
He moved to the United States in 1976 to pursue his dreams, became a citizen, and started training horses in 1981.
Demeritte made history in 2024 as the first Black trainer in 35 years to enter a horse in the Kentucky Derby, and the first Bahamian to do so.
His horse, West Saratoga, which he bought for just $11,000, finished 12th in the famous race, defied expectations by competing in the 150th Run for the Roses, finishing 12th.
This was a big moment for Demeritte, who had dreamed of the Kentucky Derby since he was a boy watching it on TV in the Bahamas.
Over his career, Demeritte won 184 races and earned over $5.3 million in prize money.
His career led him to Florida’s racing circuits, including Hialeah, Gulfstream, and Calder, before establishing himself as a trainer in 1981.
Larry Demeritte’s last victory came on New Year’s Day 2025, with Grace On Grace in the Gowell Stakes at Turfway Park. Whereas, his last race was on May 13, 2025, at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
He was known for finding good horses at low prices, like West Saratoga, which won the 2023 Iroquois Stakes.
After his passing, social media has been filled with condolences. JD Deering wrote:
My heart is broken for all the connections and family of Larry.
JD Deering
Larry always had a smile on his face.
I just saw him last week and he was in the paddock making sure his horses were saddled.
There will never be another like him.
What he did for the African American’s in the race horse industry will be felt for decades to come. He gave them a start. He made them feel not only important but noticed.
I will never forget him and his amazing , positive attitude and energy.
Matthew Dollar, Demeritte’s friend, penned a long eulogy in his honor, expressing his heartfelt tribute, which reads:
My friend, a witness in my wedding to my beautiful bride and the one guy I could count on to always give me a hard time is now walking streets of gold. I have feelings of being left behind in the wake of a great man.
Matthew Dollar
Though Larry Demeritte isn’t among us anymore, his journey from the Bahamas to the Kentucky Derby will continue to inspire horse racing fans everywhere.
Meanwhile, his family has yet to publish details surrounding his funeral services. During this difficult time, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Demeritte’s wife, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Peace, Larry Demeritte!
