Tribute To A Hero
It started as just another race card at Rockingham Park. Horses waited to load one by one into the starting gate. All were in. Pause. The gates flew open.
The gates had flown open for veteran New England jockey Rudy Baez 28,608 times before in his career. This start would change his life. When the gates flew open this time there was no place for horse and rider to go. Rudy was thrown to the ground and landed on his neck and head. He did not get up. While he was taken to a local hospital then med-flighted to Boston, the New England racing community was left in a state of shock. Rudy, who over the last two decades had become a mainstay in New England racing, was left paralyzed from the chest down.
Most would let such a catastrophic event as happened to Rudy bring their spirit down. It would be easy to feel sorry for him, except that Rudy doesn't feel sorry for himself. Rudy's spirit is what set him apart from the crowd and lifted him to become the most respected individual in local racing. Rudy was a blue-collar rider, he gave 100%, and he gave it 100% of the time. A trainer or a two-dollar bettor knew that if Rudy was on his horse, he would get the best finish possible.
Rudy accomplished much over his two decades in racing. In his fifteen years as a jockey in New England he won 14 riding titles at Suffolk Downs and 10 at Rockingham. His career win total of 4875 wins ranks him 17th in lifetime wins for a jockey. Rudy had many good days, riding five winners in a day an incredible 17 times, and six winners twice. In 1991 he had a seven win day at Rockingham and was second in the nation with 413 wins.
Rudy will be remembered more for his spirit and determination than for his win total. His willingness to tackle his new obstacles in life and his positive view are an inspiration to all.
On the Saturday before The Kentucky Derby, Suffolk Downs honored Rudy with a day in his honor. For three hours Rudy was greeted by his fans. He autographed special Jockey cards created for the day and received well wishes from most of the crowd of 5242. Between races highlights of his career were shown as well as taped tributes from some of the nation's top jockeys including Pat Day, Robbie Davis, and Chris McCarron. The feature stakes race for the day was renamed in his honor. In winners circle presentations Rudy was honored by trainers, fellow jockeys, and the New England Turf Writers. Rudy recently got his driver's license reinstated and Suffolk Downs presented him with a specially equipped car. When he is able to return to work, Suffolk hopes to find a position where he can continue to be an active force in the local racing scene.
