About Edward Baird
Edward T. Baird has enjoyed a long and successful career as a professional jockey, celebrating 2,000 wins in 2009. As the son of another successful jockey Bobby “R.L.” Baird, Edward T. Baird was determined to forge a career like his dad’s, although his father did not originally encourage it, as he feared the sport too difficult and dangerous. Edward T. Baird has endured physical hardship during his 25-year career, but he keeps going, and at 44 has no plans to retire. Edward T. Baird has fractured his pelvis twice, broken his ribs multiple times, shattered his right shoulder, and torn his ACL. In addition, he broke his hand twice, has suffered many concussions, and required a titanium rod and four in his leg. Nine months after he had the leg injury, Edward T. Baird won his first race at Hawthorne after returning to the sport.
Edward T. Baird’s father died in 2005, but thankfully lived to see many of his son’s accomplishments. Although he missed his son’s 2008 ride on Recapturetheglory to place fifth in the 134th Kentucky Derby, he did witness Edward T. Baird’s debut at the Hawthorne Race Course in 1985 and his win of the 1986 Hawthorne riding title when he was just an apprentice. In addition, R.L. got to see Edward T. Baird’s induction into the Hawthorne Race Course Hall of Fame in 1998.
In 2005, Edward T. Baird traveled to Hong Kong, where he rode the turf-sprint horse named Nicole’s Dream. In 2007, Edward T. Baird won 89 races at Arlington meet and ranked third in the final jockey standings. When Edward T. Baird completed his 2000th win in 2009, he rode owner John Karakourtis’s Bond Street for trainer Hugh Robertson at Arlington Park. After his win, he was honored in the winner’s circle, where park officials played a video highlighting his entire career. In 2010, Edward T. Baird took his place at Arlington Park’s Million Preview Day with riders Chris Emigh and Carlos Silva to receive honors for their accomplishments. In 2011, Edward T. Baird earned purses of $134,354, and over his career has earned $41,139,366.
Interests:
Golf, tennis, horseback riding
Edward Baird Links
