Compared with some, the career of jockey Charles “Charley” Kurtsinger didn’t last all that long. Modern-day superstar jockey Mike Smith took out his jockey's license in 1982 and continues to compete at the highest level; Russell Baze, the all-time leading North American jockey by career wins, started out in 1974 and stayed at the top of his game until he retired with 12,842 wins in 2016.

It is indeed an extraordinary path that leads from a childhood home in Artemis, Ky., that lacked indoor plumbing to being hosted by the Queen of England for high tea. And yet that is the uncommon road traveled by award-winning owner and breeder Ken Ramsey.

“That just don’t happen except through horses,” said Ramsey, with an accent that speaks to his roots. “It kind of levels the playing field is what I’m trying to say.”