Reade Baker’s career in the thoroughbred industry began in 1965 at Fort Erie, where he eventually became a jockey agent through the 1970’s and a Racing Manager for Rick Kennedy by 1985. As racing manager, Reade plotted the careers of numerous notable horses while traveling to Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, France, England and Ireland. During this time, Reade was able to learn what horses need (and don’t need) in order to perform at their very best. By 1990, Reade opened a public stable with as many as 45 stalls at Woodbine, training numerous stakes winners while also serving the industry as as a Board Member for the HBPA and CTHS, President of Jockey’s Agents in North America, planning committee member for the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and more.
Reade’s many successes include the Sovereign Award as Canada’s Champion Trainer, the development of 13 Champions, two Canadian Horses of the Year and a remarkable 128 Stakes Winners. He was also instrumental in the development of one of Canada’s most prolific Champions and Horse of the Year, Afleet.
Reade and his wife Janis have lived in Etobicoke for more than 30 years. In his spare time, Reade enjoys success showing birds, including chickens and ducks. After years of showing several champions, Reade was honored by the American Poultry Association in 2015.