ALBANY, Calif. (AP) — Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze has ridden the 50,000th thoroughbred race of his career.
The 54-year-old rider finished third in his historic race on Friday at Golden Gate Fields near San Francisco, although he was allowed in the winner’s circle afterward to pose for a photo. He swept the first three races on the eight-race card.
Baze notched 11,839 victories from his 50,000 mounts, and both totals are North American racing records, according to Equibase.
“I don’t think it’s any big thing just going out there that many times, but going out there and really being successful at it, that’s what is important,” he said.
