 In 1963, he was the first Latin American jockey to win the Kentucky Derby.Baeza began his racing career in 1955 in Panama at Hipodromo Juan Franco, and in March of 1960, was invited to Miami, Florida to ride under contract for Owner/Trainer, Fred Hooper.He rode his first race in the US in the first race on Keeneland's opening day, 1960, and won it on Foolish Youth.