Local Jockey Found Dead In Vehicle At Churchill Downs
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- A 24-year-old jockey who rode this year's Kentucky Derby second-place finisher to his only win has been found dead in his vehicle at Churchill Downs.
Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Jim Wesley says Michael Baze of Glendora, Calif., was pronounced dead at 4:47 p.m. EDT Tuesday in his vehicle parked in the stable area of the track.
Louisville police spokeswoman Alicia Smiley says there were no signs of foul play and the case was being treated as a death investigation. An autopsy is planned.
Churchill Downs spokesman John Asher says Baze was a cousin of Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze, the all-time leading rider in thoroughbred racing and son of retired jockey Mike Baze.
Michael Baze rode Nehro to a win Feb. 21 at Oaklawn.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
