The 61-year-old Texan native drove through the southwest of the USA for over 25 years
Kenneth “KB” Roller holds a copy of his book, “Life Through the Poetic Eyes of a Jockey,” during a book signing at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. (Photo courtesy)
FARMINGTON – Far from the tens of thousands of spectators who watch horse racing across the country lies the town of Blevins, Arkansas.
Blevins is the hometown of former jockey Kenneth “KB” Roller, who rode his last race on November 11, 2002 at SunRay Park and Casino. The retired jockey, now 61, has more than committed himself to his life as an author and caring for his pets in the town of just under 300 residents.
“I’m not near a race track out here and it’s just not that easy to get around much anymore,” Roller said.
Born in Amarillo, Texas, and raised in a family of horseback riders, Roller traveled throughout much of the Southwest, riding at major New Mexico tracks such as Albuquerque Downs and Ruidoso Downs. Roller also won races at tracks long since off the map, such as G. Rollie White Downs in Brady, Texas, and Apache Downs in Caddo County, Oklahoma.
“Life Through the Poetic Eyes of a Jockey,” a book by former jockey Kenneth “KB” Roller. (Photo courtesy)
Roller’s current interests are focused on promoting his book “Life Through the Poetic Eyes of a Jockey,” which was published in 2017. The book tells countless stories from his time as a rider who experienced both the good and bad sides of racing.
“I wasn’t big enough to be a football player, and we grew up near the racetrack in Ruidoso, so by the time I was about 14, I knew how to lose enough weight to be a jockey,” Roller said. “It was an adventure from the start.”
The book, available from online booksellers such as Amazon and Audible.com, tells the story of the triumphs and tribulations of nearly 25 years in the racing business.
“My sister told me she thinks people going through tough times will like this book because of the inspiration it provides,” Roller said.
Roller finished his career with 435 wins in over 5,000 races in both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. His best horse was Roythelittleone, winner of the 1994 Ruidoso Thoroughbred Futurity and the 1995 Ruidoso Thoroughbred Derby.
Kenneth “KB” Roller is pictured here in the winner’s circle on Top Par Moon, his first win as a jockey in 1978 at Apache Downs in Apache, Oklahoma. (Photo courtesy)
“I remember Jimmy Coates was supposed to ride him in the Futurity, but on the day of the race Coates didn’t show up, so trainer Paul Smith gave me the chance to ride the horse,” Roller recalled. “I won seven times with that horse.”
Roller won his first race in 1978 on Top Par Moon, trained by his father Benny Roller at Apache Downs.
He rode for nearly 20 years before injuries forced him to retire in 1997. Roller attempted a comeback in 2002, winning his final victory on Slew To The Mint for trainer Don Castor. He rode his last race less than three weeks later.
“It’s a tough job with long working hours, where you have to be 100 percent committed and committed to it,” said Roller.
Roller has sold several hundred copies of the book and has appeared at numerous book signings throughout the Southwest.
“I love telling stories from my career and hope my adventures are inspiring,” Roller said. “When you ride 10 or 15 horses a day, you have more stories than you can write.”
