A talented jockey with over 2,000 wins, including the 2007 Breeders' Cup Sprint, known for his aggressive riding style and tragic death at a young age.
Michael Carl Baze, an American Thoroughbred horse racing jockey, was known for his exceptional riding skills and remarkable career milestones, which cemented his position as one of the leading jockeys in the sport.
Baze's impressive career spanned from 2003 to 2011, during which he notched numerous victories and accolades, including being the leading rider at Hollywood Park Racetrack's spring-summer season and Del Mar Racetrack.
Born on April 14, 1987, Michael Baze grew up in a family deeply rooted in horse racing. His father, a jockey himself, rode primarily at tracks in the Pacific Northwest, while his uncle, Gary Baze, was inducted into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame. Additionally, Baze was a cousin to jockey Tyler Baze and a second cousin to U.S. Racing Hall of Fame inductee Russell Baze.
Baze obtained his jockey's license in 2003 and initially began riding in California. He soon moved to the east coast of the United States, where he achieved success at Monmouth Park Racetrack in New Jersey. In 2006, he returned to southern California and went on to have his breakout year in 2007, emerging as the leading rider at Hollywood Park Racetrack and Del Mar Racetrack.
Tragically, Michael Baze's life was cut short on May 10, 2011, when his body was found inside his Cadillac Escalade in the stable area of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. A preliminary autopsy revealed no natural cause of death, and toxicology test results were pending. It was also reported that Baze was scheduled to appear in court on a cocaine possession charge.
On June 3, 2011, the deputy Jefferson County coroner reported that Michael Baze died of an accidental overdose, with toxicology results showing the presence of cocaine and oxymorphone (also known as opana) in his system.
Michael Baze's untimely death sent shockwaves throughout the horse racing community. His remarkable career and achievements served as an inspiration to many, and his legacy continues to be felt in the sport.
In the aftermath of his death, Baze's mother, Teri Gibson, sued his estranged wife, Kelly, in a bid to recover funeral expenses and travel costs.
Michael Baze's story serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of seeking help. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of horse racing enthusiasts, and his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.
82 Years Old
Australian rugby league player who played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and represented New South Wales in the State of Origin series. He's a premiership-winning player and coach.
69 Years Old
A Hall of Fame jockey with over 5,800 wins, including two Kentucky Derbies, and later a respected TV commentator for horse racing events. Known for his exceptional riding skills and insightful broadcasting style.
72 Years Old
A legendary jockey with a record-breaking 8,803 wins, known for his impressive career spanning over four decades and numerous Triple Crown victories.
61 Years Old
A Hall of Fame jockey with over 26,000 mounts, winning numerous Triple Crown races, and later becoming a respected TV commentator. Known for his exceptional riding skills and insightful broadcasting.
