It is a rare occurrence in the sporting world when competitors from days past are able to rekindle their past form and challenge their younger counterparts in the arena of competition. But on Aug. 16 at Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw, a middle-aged horse and jockey eligible for Social Security found themselves at the front of the pack.

While most race horses find their prime to be between the ages of two and five on the racetrack, Silent Cash Dasher is still competing with horses that are younger, way younger than he is. At 16 years old, Silent Cash Dasher is not only competing in races against those who are 10 to 13 years younger than he is, he is still finding ways to win against his youthful rivals. In 2008 alone, Silent Cash Dasher started seven times, winning three and collecting earnings of more than $35,000

Adding to the story of age succeeds is the person who helped guide Silent Cash Dasher down the track. That was 68-year-old jockey Roy Brooks. In the jockey’s quarters at Blue Ribbon Downs, Brooks is by far the elder statesman, but the jockey is still proving that he has what it takes to outsmart and sometimes outride his peers, some of whom are still in their teens.

On Aug. 16 the day prior to his meeting with Silent Cash Dasher, Brooks rode even money favorite BJ Southern Star to victory in the $95,000 Black Gold Futurity 300 yard division.

As Silent Cash Dasher went to the paddock he had the look of an older horse, onlookers said. With a barrel-like bulging stomach, he certainly did not fit the physical profile of a racehorse. But what he was lacking in physical presence, Silent Cash Dasher was leaps and bounds ahead of the younger horses in experience, and perhaps more importantly, he apparently had the desire, a trait shared with jockey Brooks.

When the oldest active racehorse with the oldest active jockey in the state of Oklahoma entered the gates at the oldest racetrack in the state, a successful outcome was dubious.

Heading into the race, Silent Cash Dasher had only one finish in the top three in five starts this year. But as the gates opened, he proved he still had sprint speed, and beat six other runners, winning the 330-yard race by a head over the 4-year-old Bay to Bay. Silent Cash Dasher is owned and trained by Gary Earp and left the gate at 4 to 1 odds, paying $10 for the win.

On Aug. 16 an old horse and a senior jockey not only made some money for fans, they also made history at Blue Ribbon Downs.