LOUISVILLE, KY. - A 24-year-old jockey who rode Kentucky Derby this year, the second place finisher in his only victory was found dead in his car Tuesday at Churchill Downs.
Michael Baze of Glendora, California, was pronounced dead at 4: 47 am EDT in his vehicle parking in the stable area of the runway, said the Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Jim Wesley.
There was no sign of cheating and the case was treated as an investigation into the death, said Alicia Smiley Louisville police spokesman. An autopsy was scheduled.
Baze was a cousin of Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze, the unprecedented leader rider in thoroughbred racing and son of the former jockey Mike Baze, spokesman for Churchill Downs, said John Asher. An uncle and another cousin are also riders, said Asher.
"Outgoing Somebody of this family, it always gets your attention when you see the name Baze," said Asher.
Michael Baze rode Nehro to victory in the Oaklawn on February 21. It was planned at least a mont Thursday at Churchill Downs, said Asher.
His last frame was on 29 April at Keeneland and it had not yet mounted meet with Churchill spring, Asher said.
Baze, who had been riding for 16 years, was the first rider at Arlington Park, last year.
"This winter, he rode at Oaklawn, had 34 victories, had a very good meet, including a few stakes victories," said Asher.
Baze had 238 frames this year with 34 WINS, 41 seconds and 38 third places, and his mounts earned nearly $ 1.2 million, said Asher. He biparentales career begins with 918 WINS with supports winner of $ 32 million.
Called Asher died of Baze "a huge and unthinkable loss."
"He had so much potential on the road", said Asher. "It is not logical to none of us now."
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