Noted horse trainer Dale Baird dead at 72

GREENFIELD, Ind., Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Dale Baird, whose horses won 9,445 Thoroughbred races, has died in a vehicle crash in Indiana at the age of 72.

Baird died in an accident Sunday when the sports utility vehicle he was driving crossed into oncoming traffic on Interstate-70, the Greenfield (Ind.) Daily Reporter said. As many as five vehicles were involved in the crash and at least three people died.

Baird-trained horses amassed 9,445 victories over 46-year career. In 2007, he had 132 winners and collected purses totaling $2,030,982.

His father, John "J.I." Baird; a brother; a son; and a nephew were all Thoroughbred trainers.

Baird was given a Special Achievement Eclipse Award in 2005.