[3] Keith Desormeaux originally wanted to become a veterinarian,[2] but instead completed a degree in animal science[3] at Louisiana Tech University after he decided to become a horse trainer.
His break came when he met Matt Bryan, an oilman who owned Big Chief Racing Stables.
Desormeaux finally came to national attention in 2013 in winning the Risen Star Stakes with Bryan's horse I've Struck a Nerve, a 135–1 longshot, the biggest upset in the history of the race.
Desormeaux stated at the time, "I can sit here and tell you I'm a good trainer, but I can't make a slow horse fast.
[9] And that same year teamed up with brother Kent to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile with Texas Red.