Dogwood Stable President Cot Campbell once said of Jerry Bailey, "He's a fellow who could be president of a bank, sell life insurance, [and] excel at anything that interested him." Following the 7-time Eclipse Award winner's transformation from premiere jockey to top racing analyst, there's no doubt of that truth. From superior handicapping skills to expert opinions on every situation the racing game presents, Bailey strives to provide comprehensive and insightful coverage of the races he once rode.
"I've been busier than I thought I would be," 49-year-old Bailey said during Saratoga Race Course's 2006 meet. "The ESPN/ABC work is good; I'm happy doing it and I'm continuing to learn."Bailey retired in February of 2006 after riding 5,890 winners, earning over $295 million in purses, and taking a record 15 Breeders' Cup victories (five of them Classic wins). He now resides in Florida with his family – wife Suzee and son Justin. Earlier this year he released a 2-volume handicapping DVD that has been well-received among racing fans. He remains involved in industry-based charities like Anna House, the Belmont Child Care Association's daycare center. Pat Day
It's been over a year since Pat Day announced his retirement, but the 54-year-old Louisville resident is still in demand as an inspirational guest and conference speaker. Well-known for his bold Christian testimony, Day is pursuing a full-time role as Industry Ambassador for the Race Track Chaplaincy of America. From tracks to churches, he travels across the nation, actively sharing his testimony on a daily basis."I have a busy schedule, but it's decidedly rewarding," Day said from Kentucky. "It's a joy to serve the Lord, and I rejoice as I look back over an incredibly successful 32-year career, remembering the rewarding, successful life I led as a rider. Now I'm looking forward, knowing that what happens from this point on is going to be even more rewarding and fulfilling."A four-time Eclipse Award winner, Day retired in August of 2005 with over 8,000 wins (12 of them Breeders' Cup races) and a record $297,941,912 in purse earnings. He resides in Kentucky with wife Sheila and daughter Irene, and is the all-time leading rider at Keeneland and Churchill Downs. Planning to spend this November promoting the RTCA's White Horse Award, an event honoring backside or breeding farm workers who have performed heroic acts in the racing industry, he will unveil a bronze honoring his achievements at Churchill Downs on November 1. Gary Stevens
Life has been one hectic whirlwind for Gary Stevens and wife Angie Athayde-Stevens since the former jockey hung up his tack, but the dynamic duo is enjoying every minute of it. Stevens, 43, currently holds broadcasting positions with TVG and NBC, where his "insider" outlook has earned extensive viewer commendation. He also holds a management position with the California-based Little Red Feather Racing partnership and is a partner in a new clothing company, the California-based Sturdee Brothers. "It's been a great year and I'm thoroughly enjoying it," Stevens said. "I'm staying busy but not too busy, I go to the races daily even when I'm not working for TVG and NBC. My wife and I are breeding horses, I'm connected with the industry, and I'm enjoying being able to eat what I want and sleep in sometimes... all good things in life."
Stevens retired in November of 2005 with 5,005 wins (including eight Breeders' Cup victories), over $236 million in career earnings, and a 1998 Eclipse Award. In 2006 he was honored with "Gary Stevens Week" by his hometown of Boise, Idaho. He divides his time between residences in California and Kentucky and has four children – Ashley, TC, Riley and Carlie.
