Full Name: Kent Jason Desormeaux
Profession: Jockey
Biography: Kent Desormeaux is regarded as one of the best-ever American thoroughbred jockeys of all-time.
At age 16 in 1986, Desormeaux began as apprentice jockey at the Evangeline Downs racetrack in Lafayette, Louisiana and by the end of the year he had 55 wins from 525 starts.
Moving north to compete on the Maryland racing circuit in 1987 he won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey and his career skyrocketed from there.
He has won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes 3 times each, and the Belmont Stakes once. Desormeaux was United States Champion Jockey by wins in 1987, 1988, 1989 and by earnings in 1992.
He won his 6,000th race on X S Gold in 2019 at Santa Anita Park to climb to no. 16 on the all-time wins list and no. 6 in mount earnings.
Born: February 27, 1970
Birthplace: Maurice, Louisiana, USA
Age: 54 years old
Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Pisces
Historical Events
- 1989-12-31 Jockey Kent Desormeaux sets record with 598 wins in a year
- 1998-05-02 124th Kentucky Derby: Kent Desormeaux aboard Real Quiet wins in 2:02.20
- 1998-05-16 123rd Preakness: Kent Desormeaux aboard Real Quiet wins in 1:54.80
- 2000-05-06 126th Kentucky Derby: Kent Desormeaux aboard Fusaichi Pegasus wins in 2:01.12
- 2008-05-03 134th Kentucky Derby: Kent Desormeaux aboard Big Brown wins by nearly 5 lengths; runner-up Eight Belles euthanised after fracturing both front ankles; first fatality in Derby history
- 2008-05-17 133rd Preakness: Kent Desormeaux aboard Big Brown wins in 1:54.80
- 2009-06-06 141st Belmont: Kent Desormeaux aboard Summer Bird wins in 2:27.54
- 2016-05-21 141st Preakness Stakes: Kent Desormeaux aboard Exaggerator wins in 1 minute 58 seconds
Biographies and Sources
- Kent Desormeaux - Keeneland
Ángel Cordero Jr.
Bill Shoemaker
Eddie Arcaro
Johnny Longden
Laffit Pincay Jr.
Pat Day