"We are extremely excited about this new relationship," said Kelly Wietsma, president and chief executive officer of Equisponse, a sports marketing and management company representing several athletes in Thoroughbred racing and Grand Prix show jumping. "As the legendary jockey in Thoroughbred racing, Jerry is constantly inundated with speaking engagement and corporate appearance opportunities. Eddie Smith (founder and chief executive officer of GolfPodium) is an expert in this arena and is well respected for his reputation and outstanding service. I've had the pleasure of working with him on numerous occasions and he's a welcome addition to our team." GolfPodium, based in Jupiter, Fla., is a golf-related speakers bureau and resource for golf-related and sports celebrity talent.
Said Smith: "Jerry Bailey is the Jack Nicklaus of his sport. His accomplishments are unparalleled; his motivational life story combined with his personality and articulate delivery are the elements that make Jerry an entertaining and inspirational speaker." Bailey, 47, entered the Hall of Fame in 1995. He won the Eclipse Award as the nation's best jockey seven of the last nine years, and has twice won the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), Preakness Stakes (gr.I), and Belmont Stakes (gr. I). He has also won a record 14 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championship races.Baileys new autobiography, Against the Odds: Riding for My Life is scheduled to be released April 21, by G.P. Putnam