Ray Perry has spent the last 32 years working as a bookie at Presque Isle Downs Casino. On Saturday, he is retiring after working one final Kentucky Derby.
Perry developed a love for horse racing by one day just applying or a job. "It was an Off Track Betting job and it led to me joining this casino, it has been 32 years and it has been a good ride," Perry said.
Perry recalled a time where he saw a Pick 6 ticket turn into six figures. "That is the winner of six straight races in a row and I forget what track it was at but we had to shell out about $110,000," Perry said.
If bettors are unsure about which horses to bet on, they ask Perry knowing he is an expert. "Customers come to him and ask him his picks for the day because he is so knowledgeable," said Tammy Harman, Presque Isle Downs Casino Mutuel Manager.
"Whether they take my picks or not I do not know but I give them out and I do not hide my opinions so if they ask me I will tell them," said Perry.
Perry said he is leaning towards the 14 horse, Pennsylvania-bred Angel of Empire, or the odds-on favorite 15 horse, Forte, to win the 149th Kentucky Derby.