Dale Baird, American Horse Trainer Dies In Car Crash
America’s all-time winningest thoroughbred horse trainer, Dale Baird, died in a car accident on December 23. He was 72. Dale was involved in a five car accident while traveling on Interstate 70 in Indiana. He was hauling an empty horse trailer when he lost control of his SUV, crossed the median and broadsided a car driven by two teenagers. Both the two teenagers and Dale died at the scene.
In 1996, Dale became the first trainer in history to reach 7,000 wins. In 1999, he beat his record by reaching 8,000, and in 2004, reached 9,000. Other trainers have reached 5,000 wins but none have yet come close to Dale’s spectacular record. His successes are only made more amazing by his also having owned nearly all of the winning horses. In January 2005, Dale received a Special Eclipse Award for his accomplishments.
Many in the racing world were stunned by the loss of such a spectacular racing talent. “I don’t even know what to say,†said Rose Mary Williams, director of racing at the Mountaineer West Virginia track. “He has been here since day one. I don’t think people quite understand the impact he had on racing.”
Dale Baird was from Martinsville, Illinois. He won his first race in the summer of 1961 with a horse named New York.
Needless to say, Dale’s death was tragic and shocking. The pain of having lost someone so close to the Christmas holiday is something many must deal with each year. For more information on coping with bereavement during the holidays, read “Helpful Advice for the Bereaved During the Holidaysâ€
Photo: AP/Charles P. Saus