Ben Baugh wrote about Thoroughbred racing for more than 25 years, and those who encountered his work knew they were reading someone who genuinely loved the game.
A winner of the Raleigh Burroughs Award, Ben’s byline appeared in many of the sport’s leading publications. He came up through the industry the right way—as an intern at Thoroughbred Racing Communications and through hands-on experience at Adena Springs South and Crupi’s New Castle Farm—learning racing not simply as a subject to write about, but as a way of life.
A graduate of Ashland University, Ben was a proud member of the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association. He made his home in Reddick, Florida, just north of Ocala—horse country, naturally—where he could often be found at an equestrian venue, right where he belonged.
Ben contributed to Past the Wire for years. He was a professional, a pleasure to work with and a friend to the game. Racing is smaller without him.
Ben passed away unexpectedly on the night of the Kentucky Derby, May 3, 2026.
He will be missed. He will not be forgotten.
