The stakes horses have brought Russell Baze money and fame. But the man who has won more horse races than any other jockey notes that most of his victories -- and some of his best memories -- have come on claiming horses."Claiming horses are the backbone of the industry,'' said Baze, who has counted thousands of claimers among his 10,598 trips to the winner's circle. ''They just run their eyeballs out, trying to win, and the ones that try hard are the ones that endear themselves to me. It's nice to see these kinds of horses get their day in the sun and the recognition they deserve.''
Hmmmm, guess who just piloted a 7/1 shot over the finish line first? Yup. Russell Baze. . . providing more proof that the “gods of racing” reward humility.