Obituary: Jockey Agent Aime Handled Day's Book

Jockey agent Fred Aime, who worked with a number of top riders including a 10-year stint with Racing Hall of Famer Pat Day, died Dec. 30 at age 70.

The passing of Aime, of Metairie, La., was first reported by Daily Racing Form. DRF reported he was 70.

Day said Wednesday that when "Coach" Jim Reed retired as his agent in 1986, he turned to Aime. Day said at that time he was poised to reach new heights, which he did with Aime serving as agent for the next decade.

"I was tremendously blessed in that throughout my career, I had great representation," Day said. "They just did an excellent job of getting me on the best horse and that's the name of the game. 

"(With Freddie) I think the numbers speak for themselves. I don't think that it was by coincidence that we got together after my life changed dramatically when in January of '84 I came to Christ. My head was clear, I was focused, doing what God would have me to do. And Freddie was doing an excellent job of getting me on the right horses. We had an awesome run for 10 years there."

Three of Day's four Eclipse Awards as outstanding jockey would come from 1986-1991 and he would secure his Kentucky Derby (G1) victory aboard Lil E. Tee in 1992.

"The bottom line is that he would get me on the best horse," Day said. "He was a great handicapper of course. I think he read the condition book very well and understood that aspect of it. I mean there were plenty of times he was able to talk to trainers and convince them to go into a spot where they had a better chance than maybe where they were wanting to run initially."

Based on research of Bloodhorse.com and track notes, some of the other riders Aime worked with during his career include Ashley Broussard, Eddie Delahoussaye, Ricky Frazier, Kent Desormeaux, Brian Hernandez Jr., Donnie Meche, Miguel Mena, Corey Nakatani, Randy Romero, Shane Sellers, and Lindey Wade.

In a Facebook posting jockey Aubrie Green, currently based in Louisiana, said Aime's contributions will carry forward.

"The world became so much darker today when your light burnt out. We have all lost someone so incredible," Green said. "I'm honored to have known you, and to have learned from you. I will never lose you completely, for what you contributed to my life cannot be lost. My gratitude, my appreciation, my love, and my respect for you cannot be expressed. But I feel such a great void now. Rest peacefully Fred, for you fought the good fight for so long."