Leading Arlington jockey found dead

News of the death of Michael Baze, the leading rider at Arlington Park last year, has sent shock waves through the Arlington jockey colony.

“I’m still in shock and deeply saddened for the Baze family,” said jockey Chris Emigh. “He was a great guy and a friend who had the youth, talent, name and potential to become one of the greats in racing.”

Baze was found dead Tuesday in his truck in the stable area at Churchill Downs. He was 24.

Baze won the race for leading jockey at Arlington in 2010 with 104 victories and also led in purse money earned with $2,199,740.

But there was more to Baze than just his riding.

“He was always polite and courteous; I never saw him mad at anybody,” Emigh said. “He will be missed.”

Baze most recently rode at Oaklawn and Keeneland and was planning on riding during Churchill’s current spring meet as well.

DRF reports that Louisville police have begun an investigation into the cause of death.