The horse racing world has several celebrated jockeys to take pride in. Among them, some are active, and some have transitioned their career in their later years. Having said that, the 66-year Dallas resident, who later became a Hall of Famer. Having ridden for 31 long years, he achieved a whopping amount of $296 million and amassing 5,893 race wins. But his 1993 Breeders Cup win was one-of-a-kind and will forever go down in the annals of history for being his most legendary wins.

Considered as one of the GOATs in the equestrian world, Jerry Bailey had dominated the horse racing world in his time. Having etched his name in the Breeders Cup Classic history, the 66-year-old former jockey has won 15 Breeders races. Considered as a regular jockey of Cigar, he had several other successful mounts as well. In addition, having won the America’s Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey for seven times, he etched his name in the record book. But nothing comes close or is comparable to his 1993 win. Bailey recently went down memory lane titillating fans with a recent post during his 1993 sojourn.

Horse Racing Hall of Famer is full of nostalgic fondness

Shedding light on some of the unknown inside stories, Jerry Bailey engaged in a conversation with Breeders Cup. He said, “…all I did was ease him back a little bit, try to find a rhythm with him.” Unlike Cigar, his new Arcangues just had him for 9 days before they entered the Breeders Cup gates. Being an American and with no working knowledge of French, he didn’t catch what the trainer André Fabre explained to him. Choosing to stay closer to the rail, the equine-equestrian duo galloped with zilch hopes of winning. He had said, “My expectations were very very low.”

But later, following Bertrando’s hoof steps, the favorite of the game that day, Bailey started taking the winning strides. As a result, they won at 133-to-1 odds. For a $2 win ticket, they paid a Breeders’ Cup-record $269.20. Further in the X video, he confessed, “gotta have some racing luck.” But after winning, he cheekily remarked, “I still don’t know how to pronounce his name.” 

Talking about more of his history-making moments, his 2003 season holds a significant place in his heart. Late trainer Robert Frankel had welcomed him into his stable with open arms. Under his tutelage, Bailey earned a whopping $23,354,960 million that year. In addition, he also has 35 Grade 1 wins and 109 Saratoga race victories in his wall of fame.

Among his numerous accolades lie six Grade 2 Lake Placid Stakes wins and seven Grade 2 Bernard Baruch Handicap wins. Moreover, his beloved horse Cigar had clinched back-to-back victories to earn the title of Horse of the Year in 1995.

More achievements nestled in Bailey’s hat

In 1992, his peers and fellow jockeys nominated him for the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award. Conversely, in 1995, he got inducted into the American Racing Hall of Fame, which honors career achievements and remarkable feats of equines, trainers and jockeys. With two All-Star Jockey Championship wins in 2001 and 2004, the 66-year-old graced the Lone Star Park racing track.

READ MORE: American Equestrian Community Rides Toward ‘Changing Lives’ With the Help of Therapeutic Horses

Another significant victory was at the Dubai World Cup, which was hosting its inaugural season. Following, he won three more races at the same event further on in his career. He ranks 3 on the career North American money list, and for a decent number of years, he was at no. 2. Jerry D. Bailey is currently a thoroughbred racing analyst at NBC World, inspiring youngsters with his enlightening commentaries.

On October 18, 2008, he celebrated his final mount as a jockey, alongside more retirees who came to celebrate Breeders Cup’s 25th anniversary. Married to New York-based SportsChannel reporter Suzee Chulick, the couple are living a good life now.

Watch this story:  Stella McCartney Presents Heartfelt Tribute to her equestrian enthusiast family