Services set for Derrick Edwards, assistant starter for TMJC

Services have been scheduled for Derrick Edwards, the longtime assistant starter for The Maryland Jockey Club racetracks who passed away on June 20. He was 57.

Edwards began his career at Charles Town Races in West Virginia before working at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course. He was the steady, trusted hand assigned to three Preakness Stakes winners: California Chrome in 2014, American Pharoah in 2015, and Justify in 2018.

In May of this year, Edwards traveled to Churchill Downs to be part of the starting gate crew and handled Golden Tempo, the eventual winner of the Kentucky Derby.

Over the years, Edwards frequently traveled to Saratoga Race Course. He missed last year due to an injury sustained while he was working with a horse in the gate during training hours at Laurel.

Bruce Wagner, the starter for TMJC, said Edwards was part of this team for about 18 years. He said Edwards regularly worked on the gate crew for the Kentucky Derby, was on the Saratoga Race Course gate crew for several summers, and also worked at Colonial Downs.

"He went to work the Derby every year, and I went with him two of those years," Wagner said. "Last year, we both went to Del Mar to work the Breeders' Cup. He was one of my top guys, one of my right-hand men."

Wagner said Edwards also used to visit farms and training centers in Virginia, particularly for Susan Cooney and Diana McClure, to school horses at the starting gate.

Edwards’ reach extended well beyond the racetrack. He gave his time freely as a volunteer at the Frederick Housing Authority foodbank and was involved in other community causes in the area.

"He was always working," Wagner said. "He was just an overall good guy who enjoyed helping others, and was well-respected by horsemen. Where he had the time for all this stuff, I don't know."

Edwards was the proud father of Zachary Edwards, 33, and Jaeden Edwards, 20; and grandfather of Kayden Edwards, 12. He is survived by his sisters, Verdeana Lindsey and Donna Faye (James Jones); his brothers, David (Allison), Allen (partner Regina), and Henry (Beth); and his devoted partner, Diana. He also had many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary and David Edwards Sr.; his sister Janice Walker; and brother-in-law Robert (Bo) Lindsey.

A funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, at First Mount Olive Baptist Church, located at 216 Loudoun Street in Leesburg, Virginia, with the Rev. Harold S. Stinger officiating. The family will receive friends for viewing prior to the service from 2-3 p.m. at the church.

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