Kent Desormeaux
photo by Horsephotos/NTRA

Each month we’ll take a trip to the backstretch and visit with a different jockey or trainer. This month we are thrilled to sit down with Kent Desormeaux, whose list of accomplishments would take a lifetime to cover. Inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 2004, Desormeaux now gets an opportunity of which all jockeys dream. He will pilot Big Brown in the Belmont Stakes as the undefeated colt seeks to become the first Triple Crown champion since Affirmed in 1978.

Kent Desormeaux makes his residence in Garden City, NY with his wife Sonia, and their two sons, Joshua, 15, and Jacob, 9.

Q : You’ve ridden many great horses. Where does Big Brown rank among those?

Big Brown is not only the fastest horse that I have ever ridden, but he is also the best horse that I have ever ridden. That is simply a fact. He is so good that it gives me the chills every time we go to the post.

Q : What differentiates Big Brown from the other great horses that you have ridden?

The biggest thing is that he is so mindful to every need that I have as a jockey. He is just a cool, calm, and collected horse. One of his most valuable traits is the amazing fluidity of his stride. We went a half-mile in 45 seconds at Gulfstream and I thought we went 50. That’s how smooth Big Brown is.

Q : Have you noticed changes in Big Brown from when you first rode him at Gulfstream to now?

He has definitely grown as a racehorse in the last few months. In that Gulfstream allowance in March, he was extremely aggressive. He left the gate charging and I really had to settle him down. Now he just rides right off the fingertips as easy as can be.

Q : You came within a nose of winning the Triple Crown in 1998 with Real Quiet. Does that experience give you an edge going into this Triple Crown attempt?

I think it does, mainly because I matured a lot during that experience. In addition, I think being a local rider will be a big advantage for me. I feel that I have a really good understanding of Belmont Park.

Q : What would it mean to you to win the Triple Crown?

It will be like a beacon of light. If it does happen, I will literally be overwhelmed with joy and will be glowing. I hope it comes to fruition and God blesses me with closure on Real Quiet.

Q : There hasn’t been a Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. What do you view as the main reasons for this?

It takes a freak to win the Triple Crown. An absolute freak. The horse has to win the Derby and the Preakness without emptying the tank. If a horse exerts too much energy winning the first two legs, there simply won’t be enough left to win the Belmont.

Q : The Japanese invader Casino Drive looks to be Big Brown’s biggest rival in the Belmont Stakes. You rode him in the Peter Pan. What impressions did you have of him?

Casino Drive is a very talented horse and he is the only horse who can come close to matching Big Brown’s stride. Early in the Peter Pan I got into him a little bit to squeeze between horses. You have to keep in mind that it was only his second start and lack of experience came into play a little bit. In the Belmont Stakes, we will turn for home and see who is the best horse.

Q : Because you are Big Brown’s jockey, it seemed like a strange move for Casino Drive’s connections to have you ride in the Peter Pan. What were the circumstances surrounding that decision?

It’s actually a very simple explanation, as I rode horses for them in Japan. I know the connections and they feel very comfortable with me riding their horses.

Q : How did the decision to come to New York impact your career?

My turnaround all comes down to that decision. I wouldn’t have found Big Brown if I hadn’t of come to New York, and I wouldn’t have had the access to the great horses, trainers, owners and stables that are here. In addition, just having access to Manhattan is great. If I am ever feeling run down I just head downtown. By the time I leave I am dreaming again and have goals again and have something to prove again. I recharge by going to Manhattan.

Q : How did you first get involved with horses?

Horse racing was my family business growing up. My father built a bush track when I was young and I was always there. I painted the fences, I broke in the starting gate, and I loved racing my Shetland pony around the track.

Q : Your first win was at Evangeline Downs in 1986. What was that like, and when you look back, how does it make you feel to see all that you have accomplished?

I still remember the name of the horse. It was Miss Tavern. At the time, that win was the greatest thing in the world. It honestly felt like winning the Derby.

Q : What did it feel like getting your first Breeders’ Cup victory with Kotashaan in 1993?

That first Breeders’ Cup victory was a phenomenal experience. Not only in how it felt, but in that it really helped take my career to the next level.

Q : How do you typically prepare to ride horses each day?

I usually come into the jocks room, have something to eat, and then shower, sauna, and shave. While I am in the sauna I start breaking down the races that day and try to figure out my strategy to win on each of my horses.

Q : What is your favorite part of being a jockey?

There’s nothing like winning and the process that leads to winning. It starts in the sauna trying to tactically determine the strategy for each race. Then you go outside and have to get along with the horse. Rider and horse become one and in the end, the horse has to run from your encouragement. And when everything comes together, the outcome is a great win. For me, putting that puzzle together is the most rewarding aspect of being a jockey.

Q: What are the major differences between riding horses on the turf and the dirt?

The biggest difference to me comes when you are trailing other horses. On the dirt the idea is to try and split horses, while on the turf you want to stay behind other horses. It is also paramount to be inside on the turf and save ground. However, because of kickback on the dirt, many horses will give up if you take them inside on that surface. It can be very frustrating for a horse to have a lot of sand in your face.

Q : If you could be a professional athlete in any other sport, which one would it be?

I’d be a basketball player. I played basketball growing up and it was always my second-favorite sport after horse racing.

Q : What is the best advice you could give to a young person who wants to become a jockey?

The advice I would give to any young person is that all dreams can come true if you pursue them.

Q : What are the most important traits for a successful jockey to have?

It is very important for a jockey to have excellent social skills. Interactions with fans, trainers, owners, and many other people are part of your job. It’s like running for president every day of your life.