Santa Anita: Tyler Baze returns to riding Wednesday with five mounts

ARCADIA, Calif. – Jockey Tyler Baze returns to riding from an alcohol-related suspension Wednesday with five mounts on an eight-race program.

Baze was suspended for four months in July after failing an alcohol field test in June at Betfair Hollywood Park. To gain reinstatement, Baze was ordered to attend a 60-day in-house rehabilitation program for alcoholism and undergo counseling with the Winners Foundation, which aids people in California horse racing with substance-abuse problems.

Baze received clearance to resume riding Wednesday after meeting with Hollywood Park stewards Dec. 13. Baze, 31, was granted a license on the condition that he continue rehabilitation, participate in a sobriety-monitoring program, meet in person with California Horse Racing Board investigators each day he is named to ride, and inform racing board investigators if he has any interaction with law enforcement officials.

Baze told stewards in a meeting Dec. 7 that he is living in a sober-living house and will continue to do so. He admitted that he had consumed alcohol as recently as Nov. 20 but said he continues to attend counseling sessions.

Baze has exercised horses since mid-December.

“I’m fit and ready,” Baze said Sunday. “I’ve been working horses for two weeks and doing plenty of bike riding. I’m looking forward to getting back to work.”

On Wednesday, Baze has the mount on One More Wild Ride in the $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on turf.