The longtime Laurel Park and Pimlico assistant starter Derrick Edwards, who handled both Triple Crown winners in the GI Preakness Stakes during their historic bids, passed away June 20.
Including the aforementioned American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) in 2015 and Justify (Scat Daddy) in 2018, Edwards had also been assigned to handle two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) in his 2014 victory in the middle jewel. He'd most recently handled GI Kentucky Derby hero Golden Tempo (Curlin) this past May at Churchill Downs.
Edwards had also been a frequent face at Saratoga for many years and at Charles Town, having started over 100 races at the latter. He missed the New York marquee meeting this year due to being injured while handling a horse in the gate at Laurel Park.
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