The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, also known as the “Run for the Roses,” is set to be an extravagant affair, attracting the who’s who of the horse racing world. What makes this year’s Derby even more compelling is its record-breaking purse. Churchill Downs announced that the purse for the first jewel of thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown has been raised by 67% to a staggering $5 million in 2024.

With such a hefty prize at stake, the field is not only filled with top contenders but also some of the priciest horses in racing. However, amidst the high rollers, there’s an intriguing story about the horse that cost the least. So, who holds the title for the lowest-purchased horse in the Kentucky Derby field this year?

Who is the lowest-purchased horse in the Kentucky Derby in 2024?

According to Yahoo! Sports, in the 2024 Kentucky Derby, the underdog story belongs to West Saratoga, purchased for a mere $11,000. This makes him the least expensive horse in the race since 1990, when Silver Ending was bought for just $1,500. West Saratoga’s humble price tag is a stark contrast to Sierra Leone, the top-priced horse in this year’s Derby, who was bought for a staggering $2.3 million.

Despite the vast price difference, history has shown that in horse racing, a hefty price tag doesn’t always guarantee victory. Last year’s lowest-priced horse was also Confidence Game, worth $25,000, which came 10th in the field, further highlighting this point. West Saratoga’s journey from a modest purchase to competing in the prestigious Kentucky Derby exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the sport. West Saratoga’s odds, however, tell a different story—at 50-1, he’s considered a longshot for the win.

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But for his trainer, Larry Demeritte, who purchased him at the Keeneland yearling sale in September 2022, West Saratoga represents much more than just numbers on a betting sheet. Demeritte, in partnership with Harry Veruchi, chose West Saratoga based on his physical attributes rather than his pedigree. “I look at the athlete, not the paper,” Demeritte said, showing his belief in the horse’s potential.

Although West Saratoga’s breeding was modest, Demeritte saw something special in him. “He’s a smart horse,” he insisted to Veruchi, who authorized spending up to $20,000. However, the bidding stopped at $11,000, and they secured the horse for that price. West Saratoga’s journey to the Derby has been remarkable. Despite his humble beginnings, he showed promise, winning the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs and finishing second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park, earning him a spot in the Kentucky Derby. And behind this incredible horse is another heartfelt journey by Larry Demeritte.

The story of West Saratoga’s trainer, Larry Demeritte

Larry Demeritte’s journey to the Kentucky Derby is a story of strength and perseverance. Born in 1949 in the Bahamas, Demeritte grew up in a large, poor family, raised by his grandmother, Maqueen Demeritte, who instilled in him a strong work ethic and valuable life lessons. His father trained horses, and Larry followed suit, starting to train his horses in his late teens and early twenties. In 1976, he moved to the United States and despite facing racism and personal hardships, Demeritte has dedicated 48 years to various roles in the horse racing industry.

His journey has been fraught with challenges, including battles with cancer. Diagnosed with male breast cancer, smoldering multiple myeloma, and later, full-blown multiple myeloma with amyloidosis, Demeritte has undergone numerous treatments, including a stem cell transplant, and continues to receive monthly chemotherapy infusions.

However, his unbreakable spirit and determination have kept him going, and now he is headed to the Kentucky Derby with West Saratoga. West Saratoga is the lowest-priced horse among the 20 contenders, but in the unpredictable world of horse racing, anything can happen. Despite being considered underdogs, Demeritte and West Saratoga are ready to take on Churchill Downs on May 4, 2024. What are your thoughts about their odds and journey? Comment below!