A trainer for 44 years, Baird's closest rival, Jack Van Berg, has 6,334 victories. Although he has slowed his pace in recent years, Baird led the nation in wins 15 times between 1971 to 1999. He won the training title at Mountaineer 20 consecutive years until the streak was broken in 2001.Owned by Baird, the 7-year-old gray gelding Frazee's Folly was ridden to victory by Deshawn L. Parker. Frazee's Folly, the 2-1 second choice in the field of 10, registered a one-length triumph in the $7,500 claiming event for 3-year-olds and up going 5 1/2 furlongs on the dirt. He was claimed away by John W. Baird. (Chart, Equibase)
All-time leader Dale Baird became the first trainer to win 9,000 races Friday night when Frazee's Folly took the eighth race at Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort.A large contingent of more than 70 relatives and friends were on hand in West Virginia to help the 69-year-old Baird celebrate the milestone. ``It feels great,'' Baird said.
