Long-shot West Saratoga is staying in Barn 42 at Churchill Downs, the same location where Seattle Slew was before he won the 1977 Derby and went on to sweep theNow, he is the second Black trainer since 1951 to be saddling a horse in the big race, which has Black trainers dominated the Derby’s early years, winning seven of the first 17 from 1875-1891.Everything is meaningful to the 74-year-old from the Bahamas since he was diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and underwent chemotherapy.
West Saratoga is named for the street in Littleton where Veruchi grew up. It’s located six blocks from the Centennial track, which closed in 1983. “I've been practicing,” he said with a smile. “I used to pray to get to the Derby. I feel like I am blessed with this horse.”