James Baker takes on role as LGBTIQ+ mentor

By Jordan Gerrans

As an elder statesman of the jockey’s room in the bush, James Baker has a simple message for anyone that is struggling with their sexuality.

“I am here to listen if you ever need me,” the 42-year-old hoop says.

Baker has been openly gay for much of his riding career, which has taken him all around the country.

From the famous Baker racing clan in regional Queensland, Baker has won city races in the saddle as well as riding in black-type company.

The tall jockey has long battled with his weight, which has slowed his opportunities at a higher level in recent years.

He has developed his niche on the country circuit for much of this year riding around the North West of the Sunshine State.

In his decades in the industry, Baker says he has been lucky and never faced any kind of homophobia.

And, reflecting back on his life, he believes that his strongest asset has been that he has always been comfortable in his own skin.

“That has helped, that is the biggest thing,” he said.

“I was myself.”

Sitting to speak in Racing Queensland's Racing with Pride series before a TAB meeting at Cloncurry earlier this month, Baker says he is starting to get his weight under control.

He piloted a winner in the opening event from the ‘Curry on that day and rode at 56.5kgs on the program.

A comfortable level to ride at for Baker is 57kgs.

He has linked up with Mount Isa trainer Justin Bawden and is his regular hoop on race day.

“I am just starting to get my weight under control and get the rides I deserve, I think,” Baker said.

“Justin and I have made a good little team and the horses are doing what we are asking of them.

“Right now, I am at a place where I am comfortable and happy up here in the North West.”

The Baker name is synonymous with racing in the Sunshine State with participants from the family stretching all across Queensland. 

James is the son of Roma trainer Wayne Baker and is the cousin of top provincial level hoop Les Tilley.

Regional race caller Andrew Watts notes that Baker has been a key inclusion to the North West riding ranks as they are always looking for more jockeys in the area.

“Jamie has been a journeyman and he has had some success in the year he has been out in the West, he rode a big-priced winner at Mount Isa on one day I can remember,” Watts said.

“He has had racing in his blood.

“It is a testament to him that he has made his way out to the West and is riding winners, doing the travel and succeeding.”

Like many jockeys who relocate to the North West, Baker has found a lucrative job on top of his riding commitments in the transport industry.

Baker was also a dual-license holder at one stage and trained a team of horses in his own right.

He got his start in Roma with local leading trainer Craig Smith before spending three months with champion trainer Peter Moody during his apprenticeship.

He has also spent time riding and working in NSW and Western Australia.

Back in 2001, Baker finished second in the Group 3 Black Opal race at Canterbury aboard Antagonise in the feature juvenile event.

“I got into horses at a really young age,” Baker said.

“It was always a thing for me wanting to do it. It was an easy feat when I did step up into it.

“I was probably blessed to have these people to learn from, take advice from and that certainly helped in my career.”

According to Baker, the racing industry is a safe place for anyone.

“I have never hidden it, but I have never screamed it from the roof tops either,” he said.

“It does not matter if you are gay, straight, bisexual or asexual, or whatever else.

“In the racing industry, trainers and owners do not take notice of that, they take notice of what you are doing on the track and how you are riding.

“I am out there to do the job for my trainers and owners on the track, I am out there to prove myself to the people who I ride for. I have never had a problem with anything in racing.”

Baker often rides on the same race program as fellow hoop Tyler Leslight, who also has been a part of Racing Queensland's Racing with Pride series.

He has great respect for Leslight and congratulated him on his openness to speak publicly about his transition.

He believes it is great for racing to have a person like Leslight to detail his journey.

Baker has been a mentor to Leslight over the last year or so.

“I am here to be a shoulder to talk to because I know it is hard, there is not many of us that are out there in the open,” he said.

“I just hope if someone does want to talk, then I am here to help.

“If you want help, I am happy to sit down with anyone to talk or give advice to anyone.”

Baker has a big book of rides at Mount Isa Race Club on Tuesday for their TAB program.