At 70 years old, Perry Ouzts isn’t just defying the odds—he’s rewriting them. With an incredible 53,419 races and 7,487 wins under his belt, Perry has been a force in the saddle since 1973. Known as the “Blue Collar Jockey,” he’s built his legacy on consistency, determination, and an unshakable love for the sport.
In this episode of Boundless, Dr. Ferrin Peterson sits down with Perry to talk about his 50+ year career, what keeps him riding after all these years, and the mindset that has made him one of the most enduring jockeys in history. From the toughest challenges to the greatest victories, Perry’s story is one of resilience, passion, and the relentless pursuit of doing what he loves.
🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true racing legend!
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Twitter: @Ferrinpeterson
https://www.ferrinpeterson.com/the-boundless-podcast
#BoundlessPodcast #PerryOuzts #BlueCollarJockey #RacingLegend #NeverTooOld #HorseRacing
Timestamps:
00:33 Current Stats
00:49 What drew you to horse racing
01:30 The “Fires Clan” - Earlie Fires
02:40 First win
03:47 The year 1973
04:25 Did you ever consider another career?
05:50 Longevity as a jockey
06:18 Advice for younger Perry - Finances
07:58 Whats the longest time you’ve had to take off the track?
09:25 How do you maintain your mental state during time off?
09:40 Did anyone mentor you or inspire you in your career?
10:42 You don’t claim foul, why is that?
12:10 You breeze horses in the early morning and dead of winter still, why?
13:16 Breezing for his wife - Toni Ouzts
15:16 Tell me about your long, loyal relationship with Larry Smith
17:16 Doing your job exceptionally well because you love to win
18:00 Pat Day and losing the feeling of victory
18:40 Do you have a goal for this final year of racing?
19:20 You rode with many of the greats, what set them apart?
20:45 The Blue Collar Jockey - I’d ride anything
21:53 Tell me about your loyal relationship with agent James Fowler
24:30 Do you have a pre-race routine?
28:10 If you’re intimidated or scared the horse knows
28:25 What parts of your life outside the track keep you balanced?
28:55 You’ve worked hard in your career, did you enjoy the journey along the way?
30:42 Facing Fear Pole Vaulting - Ferrin
31:06 What advice would you give someone starting their career?
32:42 “Ain’t gonna lose no sleep over it” He doesn’t care what people think of him
34:45 Being leading rider puts a target on your back
36:39 Where does the nickname “Iron Man” come from?
38:39 Motorcycle crash in the AM, 9 races in the PM
40:59 3 sick days in 50 years
44:41 Winning a stakes race at 70 and the struggle of getting mounts as a 70 year old
46:23 Horses keep you humble, you’re only as good as the horse you ride
49:13 Getting the bug back at 70
50:00 Making weight and having the same diet all 50 years
52:00 Riding every horse to win regardless of the talent
52:39 A moment form our next episode with Pat Day
53:13 AMWager Sponsorship
