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Boustany Commends Louisiana-Native Kent Desormeaux on Kentucky Derby Win

May 5 2008
 
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD, R-Southwest Louisiana, today commended Kent Desormeaux, a Maurice, Louisiana native, on jockeying Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown.
 
“Leading his third horse to the red roses of a Kentucky Derby win, Kent Desormeaux is no stranger to winning,” Boustany said. “Born in Maurice, Louisiana, Kent’s first race was at Evangeline Downs with his first win coming aboard Miss Tavern on July 13, 1986. At 25 years old, the jockey became the youngest ever to notch 3,000 career wins.”
 
Desormeaux’s horse, Big Brown, won the Derby by an impressive four and three-quarters length in Saturday’s 134th Kentucky Derby held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
 
Boustany’s remarks follow:
 
Rep. Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD
Extension of Remarks Commending Jockey Kent Desormeaux for Winning the 134th Kentucky Derby
 
May 5, 2008
 
Madam Speaker, this past Saturday afternoon, with more than 157,000 people watching from the stands and millions watching from their homes, Big Brown won the 134th Kentucky Derby at Louisville, Kentucky’s Churchill Downs. Ridden by Louisiana-native Kent Desormeaux, Big Brown proved his ability yet again, as the favorite became the seventh undefeated horse to win horse racing’s most prestigious prize.   Big Brown’s trainer and owners now look ahead to the Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown.
 
Leading his third horse to the red roses of a Kentucky Derby win, Kent Desormeaux is no stranger to winning. Born in Maurice, Louisiana, Kent’s first race was at Evangeline Downs with his first win coming aboard Miss Tavern on July 13, 1986. At 25 years old, the jockey became the youngest ever to notch 3,000 career wins. His successful career is a testament to hard work, determination and a love of his sport. 
 
I know I join Kent’s family and many in Acadiana in congratulating him on this most recent win and wishing him the best for continued success. Louisiana has a well-established record of producing winning jockeys and Kent certainly continues our legacy.
 
Unfortunately, Saturday’s race did have sadness as second place, Eight Belles, was euthanized on the track. The filly, who ran an impressive race, collapsed after crossing the finish line. It was a tragic scene that reminds us all of the dangers of the sport.  
 
The story Saturday though was Big Brown’s big win. Desormeaux shepherded the horse from the outside gate through a crowded field and dictated the pace to give Big Brown the best shot at victory. As the lead pack rounded the final turn of the mile and a quarter race, Desormeaux gave Big Brown the signal, and the horse’s effort left his competitors in the dust. 
 
Again, congratulations to Kent Desormeaux, winning jockey of the 134th Kentucky Derby. 
 
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