Baze Joins Elite Group

Russell Baze rode his 6,000th career winner, guiding Clover Hunter to a 12-length victory in the fourth race at Golden Gate Fields.

The victory aboard the 2-year-old colt enabled Baze to join Bill Shoemaker, Laffit Pincay and nine other jockeys who have hit the 6,000-victory plateau.

Baze, 38, rode his first winner in September 1974 at Yakima Meadows in Washington. Five years later, he began riding at Bay Meadows and Golden Gate Fields in Northern California, where he has perennially led the jockey standings.