Legendary Bailey to hang up riding boots
“I still enjoy competing in the biggest races, on the biggest horses, on the biggest days. But to get to those days, there are a lot of routine days. Those are the days I no longer look forward to,” he said. “That’s where I didn’t feel it.”
Bailey is scheduled to sign off in three of four stakes races on the Sunshine Millions card at Gulfstream Park in Florida.
His final mount will come aboard Silver Tree, trained by Bill Mott - who also trained Cigar.
Bailey, who rode the great horse to the final 15 of 16 consecutive wins during the 1995-96 seasons, is to join ESPN and ABC Sports.
“Although I will miss the thrill of physical competition I have been accustomed to for the past 31 years, I look forward to the opportunity of bringing my insights of racing to the viewers in a manner they’ve never experienced before,” said Bailey.
“This new seat will be far less dangerous than my old one, and it also includes lunch.”
Bailey, second only to Pat Day in career earnings, won the Kentucky Derby twice, the Preakness twice and the Belmont Stakes twice.
The seven-times Eclipse Award winner began his professional career in 1974, at the age of 17, when he won at Sunland Park in New Mexico aboard Fetch.
His victories included a record fifth win in the Breeders’ Cup Classic with Saint Liam and Singspiel in the Dubai World Cup for Michael Stoute. He also teamed up with Godolphin for big-race success on Street Cry, Fantastic Light, Sulamani and Daylami.
