Golden Gate: Baze hits one milestone, eyes another

Vassar Photography

Russell Baze aboard Finish Rich in Nyc on Friday after competing in his 50,000th race.

Jockey Russell Baze can now look forward to his next milestone – 12,000 victories.

Baze competed in his 50,000th Thoroughbred race Friday, finishing third aboard Finish Rich in Nyc. But he still made it to the winner’s circle for a photo to commemorate the achievement. Fellow jockeys and track officials joined him for the photograph.

Baze is the first North American jockey with 50,000 mounts. His record total going into Thursday’s racing at Golden Gate Fields is now 50,012. He is also the leader in wins with 11,842 after three wins Sunday; seconds, with 8,853 including two Sunday; and thirds, with 7,265.

According to Equibase figures, Baze has ridden nearly 43,000 miles, the equivalent of going around the world 1.72 times, and the elapsed time of those races is nearly 48 days.

Baze is the world’s second-winningest rider behind Jorge Ricardo, who had five wins in Argentina on Monday to increase his record to 11,895.

The 54-year-old Baze isn’t planning to retire any time soon, although after his milestone ride Friday, he said, “I figure in 2016 I’ll have 40 years in, and, so, that might be enough. But I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”