From humble beginnings, Willie Shoemaker rides to the top "Shoe led a charmed life in that regard. His wife is Cynthia Barnes (7 March1978 - 8 July1994)( divorced)( 1 child), Bessie May (Babs) Bayer (29 November1961 - 6 March1978)( divorced)( 1 child), Virginia Lucille MacLachlan (25 June1950 - 26 July1960)( divorced)( 2 children). "My sister and her girlfriend were walking home from high school and Bill and a couple of young fellas were in Bills little car and they were riding around they saw the girls and stopped and talked with them," Ginnie said. He was the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby at age 54, aboard Ferdinand in 1986, his fourth Kentucky Derby win [5]. Hall of Fame Horse Racing Jockey. Shoemaker was listed in serious condition at Centinela Hospital Medical Center, known for its expertise in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery. It was pretty awe-inspiring … because you walk into this room and all these different colored silks are hanging all over the place. Early life [ edit] Jayne Mansfield with (left to right) jockeys Johnny Longden, Eddie Arcaro and Willie Shoemaker in 1957 Willie Shoemaker was born in Fabens, TX on August 19, 1931. [4], Shoemaker rode the popular California horse Silky Sullivan, about which he is quoted as saying: "You just had to let him run his race and if he decided to win it, you'd better hold on because you'd be moving faster than a train. A resident and native of Clinton, he died on Sunday, May 2, 2010, at 3:08 a.m. at Lane Regional Medical Center, Zachary. "We had a big yard. Two weeks later, on February 3, Shoemaker rode his last race on Patchy Groundfog, at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. When William "Willie" Lee Shoemaker was born on 19 August 1931, in Fabens, El Paso, Texas, United States, his father, B B Shoemaker, was 22 and his mother, Ruby Lee Harris, was 17. Shoemaker's Stalking Horse (1994), Fire Horse (1995), and Dark Horse (1996) all featured jockey-turned-sleuth Coley Killebrew using his racetrack experience in and about his restaurant and the horse world. Willie Shoemaker - WebMD SHOEMAKER, WILLIE CECIL, JR., age 86, of Hueytown, AL, son of Willie Cecil Shoemaker, Sr. and Louella Awtrey, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2008. Ginnie said. "[3], When Shoemaker earned his 6,033rd victory in September 1970, he broke jockey Johnny Longden's record. Resend Activation Email. S > Shoemaker > William Lee Shoemaker, Categories: Kentucky Derby | Jockeys | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame | Featured Connections | Notables, WIKITREE HOME | ABOUT | G2G FORUM | HELP | SEARCH. After a few minutes, we found out that we had both lived at one time in Arcadia, Calif. Winning his first race in 1949 at age 18, by the time of his retirement in 1990 he had racked up 8,833 victories - among them four Kentucky Derbies, five Belmont Stakes and three Preakness . His parents were B.B. Shoemaker was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Pawn Stars: LEGENDARY Willie Shoemaker Signed Boots Are ICONIC (Season William Lee Shoemaker was born 19 August 1931 in the town of Fabens, Texas. In 1986, at the age of 54, he became the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. [4], William's jockey career began when he was a teen, riding professionally first in 1949. Bill Hartack : Willie Shoemaker : Robyn Smith : Jockey Sandy Hawley : Race track at Mexico City : Jockey "Red" Pollard Collections containing your . Referred to as "Bill", "Willie," and "The Shoe", William Lee Shoemaker was born in the town of Fabens, Texas. Reported! The pool was on the first level. Just about the only goal he didn't accomplish was to sweep racing's Triple Crown - the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont stakes - as did his friend and rival, jockey Eddie Arcaro. In 1985, Willie Shoemaker became the first jockey to win $100 million in career purses after riding Lord at War to victory at the Santa Anita Handicap in Arcadia, Calif. . Following a round of golf and several drinks, Shoemaker lost control of his Ford Bronco on straight stretch of highway in San Dimas, California. It's been a long time. Michelle Payne, Jessica Springsteen, and Ruby Walsh were also His acquaintances. It's more than a business. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. He was put in a shoebox in the oven to stay warm, and survived, but remained small, growing to only 4 feet 10 inches (1.47m) and weighing 91 pounds (41 kg). He is a celebrity horse jockey. He topped off at 4-foot-11, 98-pounds. Christmas for the Shoemaker family : Shoemaker weighs-in . Whittingham and Shoemaker Calisphere Shoemaker was involved in a solo drunk-driving car crash on April 8, 1991, in San Dimas, California, when he rolled over the Ford Bronco II he was driving. Shoemaker held the career wins record record until Laffit Pincay, Jr. surpassed it in late 1999. He is from USA. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007. Age, Biography and Wiki. One of his greatest victories was at the 1986 Kentucky Derby when, at age 54, he rode a 17-1 shot named Ferdinand to victory. It is no different with sporting legends. Bill Shoemaker, monikered Willie for all those many years, was born in nearby Fabens Aug. 19, 1931, two months premature, weighing only 2 1/2 pounds. William "Willie" Lee Shoemaker (1931-2003) FamilySearch Login to find your connection. World class track-and-field athlete Born Jul 10, 1842. That means he has life path number 5. About Willie Shoemaker is a member of the following lists: People from El Paso, Texas, 1931 births and 2003 deaths. Led all American jockeys in wins five times: 1950, 1953, 1954, 1958, 1959. He can ride every type of horse, on grass or dirt. The Crabb Family . All told, Bill Shoemaker rode in a record 40,350 races. He died on October 12, 2003, San Marino, CA. . everything was quiet and then he pulled up in front of a store and he said, 'Well,' he says, 'I guess then you wont like me,' and I said, 'Oh dont be silly.' In 1990, he was voted the Mike Venezia Memorial Award for "extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship". February 27, 2023 new bill passed in nj for inmates 2022 No Comments . He married his high school sweetheart, Martha "Marty" Coggins Shoemaker in 1958. CONTENT. 1939- (Barbara Halin Willinger), Willis, Alicia Leigh 1978- (Alicia Willis, Alicia L. Willis), https://www.encyclopedia.com/sports/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/shoemaker-willie, http://espn.go.com/sportscentury/features/00016470.html, https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/willie-shoemaker, Shoemaker, William Lee 1931-2003 (Bill Shoemaker), Born August 19 in Fabens, Texas to parents Bebe and Ruby Shoemaker, Makes first professional ride on March 19, Loses Kentucky Derby after misjudging finish line, Breaks pelvis, ruptures bladder, and damages nerves in paddock accident, Divorced by second wife effective March 6. She also writes occasional columns for The Desert Sun. Shoemaker, a former Navy aviator, fighter pilot and aeronautics engineer, will have the daunting privilege of being the first to fly the company's proof of concept single-seater during tests next. "A doctor friend of minecalled and he asked, 'Would you folks be interested in adopting?'" , money, salary, income, and assets. Inducted in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, Awarded Eclipse Outstanding Jockey Award and Award of Merit. Struggle With Fame. I could talk if I wanted to, but I just figured it was better to listen." Willie Shoemaker - Struggle With Fame - Horse, Babs, Day, and - JRank "The boy said, 'Ive got to get somebody for Bill because Bill has to drive. Discover what happened on this day. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. Sign Up. It was like, Blam! Willie Shoemaker Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Legends frequently have legendary beginning … like Abe Lincoln and his log cabin, George Washington and his cherry tree. We have estimated He was popular for being a Horse Jockey. [4], William died 11 October 2003 in Arcadia, California.[3][8]. Beverly Hills, CA 5/20/1980CREDIT: Richard Mackson. It is a Platform where Influencers can meet up, Collaborate, Get Collaboration opportunities from Brands, and discuss common interests. At the age of 54, he became the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby. The doctor left him on the bed; told his. People born under this sign enjoy being alone with their thoughts. "Probably the biggest races I ever attended were the Breeders Cup," he said. Willie Shoemaker. He left Fabens when he was seven, eventually ended up in California for high school. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. ThisDec. 8, 1989, El Paso Times interview with Bill Knight was done on Shoemaker's farewell tour. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. Willie Shoemaker was a Leo and was born in the Silent Generation. Willie Shoemaker Net Worth - Biography Net Worth 220 Gangster mugshots ideas | gangster, mug shots, mobster - Pinterest Since winning his first race atop Waxahachie at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco March 19, 1949, Shoemaker has won more than 8,900 races, including four Kentucky Derbys, two Preakness Stakes, five Belmont Stakes and one Breeders Cup Classic. Search above to list available cemeteries. Inducted in the United States' National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1958. Occupations: jockey, horse trainer. Immediate Family David Shantz Shoemaker father Margaret Wycoff Shoemaker mother Barnabas Gerhart Shoemaker brother Mary Amelia Snoor sister Source: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/43047455/mary-cliff Margaret Amanda Shoemaker sister Emma Ureta Ranck sister Margaret Wycoff Wright sister Sgt John Henry Shoemaker brother Maria Shoemaker sister Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. All these colors. Your dad is Willie Shoemaker? I asked. How did you get so big? I blurted out. Find great Winchester, VA real estate professionals on Zillow like Willie Shoemaker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty . Willie Shoemaker is the most famous jockey in the world, holding the world record for victories with nearly 9,000 lifetime wins. At the age of 19, he was making so much money (as much as $2,500 each week) the Los Angeles Superior Court appointed attorney Horace Hahn as his guardian, with the consent of his parents.[2]. Willie Shoemaker (William Lee Shoemaker) was born on 19 August, 1931 in Fabens, Texas, USA, is an Actor. "I remember going to the jocks room when I was little my dad would take me and theyd be playing pool and getting massages," John said. At 72 years old, Willie Shoemaker height We are featuring this profile in the Connection Finder this week. He continued to train racehorses until his retirement on Nov. 2, 1997. ", Finally, Shoemaker says, I'm retiring - not disappearing. It culminated with a tremendous charge through the muddy middle-of-the-track stretch run, leading to a victory by a nose over the dead-game Honest Pleasure. I'm doing the Farewell Tour and having fundoing it. They were later divorced in February of 1977. His last serious track accident was in 1969, when he suffered a broken pelvis and ruptured spleen. Net Worth 2020. It was a huge story and impacted the community, which deeply loved our"hometown" racing legend. Quickly see who the memorial is for and when they lived and died and where they are buried. ESPN Classic - Shoemaker had grip on racing All Rights Reserved, Expect Russia to wage war again: Romney on the danger of leaving Ukraine unsupported, Provo River diverted as restoration project reaches major milestone, Utah lawmakers agree to create halogen emissions reduction plan for Wasatch Front, Bidens not in a rush to announce hes running for reelection, The 2023 Utah Legislature has wrapped. "A classmate at El Monte High School talked to me about being a jockey," Shoemaker says. Willie was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and considered his family as life's greatest blessing. He won the Santa Anita Handicap 11 times and the Santa Anita Derby, Hollywood Derby, Hollywood Gold Cup, Del Mar Handicap, and Oak Tree Invitational eight times each. SHOEMAKER PARALYZED FROM AUTO ACCIDENT - Deseret News He went in it was a jewelry store and whenhe came out, he says, 'Well now that you know that I have to have false teeth,' and he threw the box of rings on my lap and he said, You wont marry me.'. People named Willie Shoemaker. Bill was 18. Nationality: United States. William Shoemaker | National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Willie Shoemaker (1865 - 1865) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days How do we create a person's profile? I thought you might like to see a memorial for Willie Shoemaker I found on Findagrave.com. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. William is 17 degrees from Jennifer Aniston, 20 degrees from Drew Barrymore, 22 degrees from Candice Bergen, 24 degrees from Alexandre Dumas, 18 degrees from Carrie Fisher, 31 degrees from Whitney Houston, 22 degrees from Hayley Mills, 20 degrees from Liza Minnelli, 13 degrees from Lisa Presley, 20 degrees from Kiefer Sutherland, 17 degrees from Bill Veeck and 23 degrees from Brian Nash on our single family tree. Shoemaker died in his sleep at . Which memorial do you think is a duplicate of Willie Shoemaker (7977620)? Trainer Charlie Whittingham and jockey Bill Shoemaker have been a winning combination for more than three decades now. He was 72 years old. William Lee "Bill" Shoemaker (August 19, 1931 - October 12, 2003) was an American jockey. But he'll never forget that first. Today, Shoemaker likes to spend time with his family. Who are the richest people in the world? "She picked me off the bed, wrapped me up warm, turned the oven on low and put me on the stove door to keep me warm. Inducted into the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1999 (inaugural class). The Bill Shoemaker Story - YouTube Bill was well-liked and was soon in high demand. He was 72. He has the disposition of a great athlete. Willie Shoemaker Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. If not, see our friends at Ancestry DNA. Shoemaker won the 1979 Marlboro Cup and the 1980 Santa Anita Handicap atopSpectacular Bid. Weve updated the security on the site. Most of it's been up; 90 percent of it's been good … very good. Ironically, Shoemaker left the dangers of the racetrack only to face paralysis after a single-car rollover accident in 1991. Willie Shoemaker was born on the 19th of August, 1931. ", Famed jockey John Longden: "Both on and off the race track he's the greatest - a great rider and a great gentleman. The Crown itself eluded him. This account has been disabled. Approx. In 1991, he was paralyzed from the neck down as a result of a car crash. "Bill and I both wanted kids. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. In 1991, he was paralyzed from the neck down as a result of a car crash. Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 509-511. He was also badly injured twice during the late 1960s. In a career in which he rode to four Kentucky Derby wins, he was also the oldest at aged 54 to win the prestigious Run for the Roses aboard Ferdinand in 1986. On a recent visit to Ginnie's house, John hauled a huge box out of his mom's garage, which was loaded with old finish line/winner's circle pictures, family photos, letters exchanged between Ginnie and Bill when they were dating, decades-old newspaper clippings and other mementos from the horse racing hall of famer's star-studded days in the saddle. Shoemakerwas born Aug. 19, 1931, in Fabens and diedof natural causes Oct. 12, 2003, in San Marino, California. His final stats as a trainer were 90 wins from 714 starters and earnings of $3.7 million. "I remember getting off the train somewhere and there was snow on the ground and steam and the smell of the diesel.". "[4], William married Bessie M. Bayer on 29 November of 1961 in Los Angeles, California. He has an estimated net worth of $ 1.5 Million. Sure it was exciting … especially since it was only about my third ride. John and Ginnie would travel around the country to watch Bill race. When he was born in 1931, he was given little chance of survival, Smith said. United States. At 38 ounces (1.1kg), Shoemaker was so small at birth that he was not expected to survive the night. Shoemaker has had so many wins, so many that brought him national attention. is 4'11"(1.5m) . "Ride. English There would be 11 Triple Crown victories to come and numerous honors. Winning his first race in 1949 at age 18, by the time of his retirement in 1990 he had racked up 8,833 victories - among them four Kentucky Derbies, five Belmont Stakes and three Preakness Stakes, with his winnings totaling well over $123 million. He looked up at me, smiled and said, Yes.. Ginnie shared a story about Bill turning down an offer to play golf with the leader of the free world. Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Soon after retiring as a jockey in 1990, Shoemaker returned to the track as a trainer, where he had modest success, training for such clients as Gulfstream magnate Allen Paulson and composer Burt Bacharach. Bill Shoemaker Dead At 72 - CBS News Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. Sorry! Log In. Bill Shoemaker, monikered Willie for all those many years, was born in nearby Fabens Aug. 19, 1931, two months premature, weighing only 2 1/2 pounds. Genealogy for Willie G Shoemaker (1893 - d.) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. His spouse is Cindy Barnes (m. 19781994), Babbs Bayer (m. 19611978), Virginia McLaughlin (m. 19501960). In 1951, he won the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award. Try again. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Willie Shoemaker Obituary - Statesville, NC - Dignity Memorial He continued to train racehorses until his retirement on November 2, 1997. He died Oct. 12, 2003 at the age of 72. He retired as a jockey in 1990. He was honored by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1958. Now I was smiling. Family members linked to this person will appear here. He only had two serious injuries.". She can be reached at denise.goolsby@desertsun.com, The story of Willie and Virginia Shoemaker. After rehabilitative treatment, he returned to the track as a trainer and worked until his retirement in 1997. More about Willie Shoemaker edit Dating History # 3 Cindy Barnes 2 3 Won: Kentucky Derby: 1955, 1959, 1965, 1986. When asked what it takes to make a great jockey, his reply was short, to the point: "Good horses.". Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. San Marino, Los Angeles County, California, USA. Despite all the winning, Shoemaker remains a modest man. Nationality: American. He lost the 1957 Kentucky Derby aboard Gallant Man, when he stood up in the stirrups too soon, having misjudged the finish line, where Gallant Man finished second to Iron Liege, ridden by Bill Hartack. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. frankfob2@yahoo.com, Other Works Skip Ancestry main menu Main Menu. Shoemaker "suffered severe injuries, the most critical of which is paralysis of his extremities associated with a fracture and dislocation of his neck," Shoemaker's wife, Cindy, said in a statement Tuesday.It was not immediately known whether the former rider is in jeopardy of permanent paralysis. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. "To Bill, that was a job that was what he had to do. Willie Shoemaker | | The Guardian Family Life. His final stats as a trainer were 90 wins from 714 starters and earnings of $3.7 million. American jockey (19312003) who held a 29-year world record in total victories, Learn how and when to remove this template message, United States Champion Jockey by earnings, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, "Silky Sullivan didn't come from behind in the 1958 Kentucky Derby", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Shoemaker&oldid=1110009359, United States Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame inductees, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from January 2019, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 September 2022, at 02:11. memorial page for William H. "Willie" Shoemaker (Aug 1873-Feb 1875), Find a Grave Memorial ID 88093670, citing Rock Creek Cemetery . Please enter your email and password to sign in. In his autobiography Shoemaker (1988) he called Spectacular Bid the greatest horse he rode in his storied career. Racing horses has been a wonderful way of life. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. "But then my grandmother took charge," says the 58-year-old Shoemaker, who will be at Sunland Park Racetrack today and Saturday on his farewell tour. Willie Shoemaker - Bio, Age, height, Wiki, Facts and Family - in4fp.com His height is 4 11. The story of how John came to be part of the Shoemaker family begins in San Mateo,not far from theBay Meadows racetrack. They were often compared to the large stable of best-selling horse mysteries by fellow jockey/author Dick Francis. Boom's chief test pilot on the thrill and challenge of - TechCrunch His most serious injury, however, occurred in 1991 when he was involved in an automobile accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. I was born at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, just across the street from the Santa Anita Park, one of the premier horse racing tracks in the country. He is a member of famous Actor with the age 72 years old group. Religious service at Galilee Baptist Church, Wilson, on Friday, May 7, at 11 a.m., conducted by the . William Lee Shoemaker (August 19, 1931 - October 12, 2003) was an American jockey. He married Euley J. Kimberly on 11 January 1878, in Blount, Alabama, United States. Willie Shoemaker | Encyclopedia.com He had 2 children Sheryl Shoemaker Griffin, Amanda Shoemaker. Willies education details are not available at this time. He said his dad had lived in San Marino a city not far from Arcadia, located in the San Gabriel Valley. "Dub" or W.C . or. Reverand William Henry Shoemaker. Four months after adopting John, Bill won his first Kentucky Derby forthe first Triple Crown victoryof his career. Verify and try again. He swerved across a nine-foot shoulder and rolled down a forty-foot . "Bill was always on the floor playing with him crawling around," she said. Willile Shoemaker died from measles while in Yazoo City, Mississippi, visiting his Mother's brother and family. Whos the richest Horse Jockey in the world. We know it's short notice, so don't fret too much. People who are born with the Sun as the ruling planet are courageous, self-expressive and bold. This page is updated often with new details about Willie Shoemaker. "One of the boys asked my sister to go to the movies and she said, 'OK,' and then he contacted her and asked her if there was somebody who could go with Bill.". Records may include photos, original documents, family history, relatives, specific . If you see something that doesnt look right, contact us. Willie Shoemaker Net Worth Obituary: WILLIAM "WILLIE" P. SHOEMAKER - rceno.com Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? Willie Shoemaker - Biography - SwiftPapers Also learn how He earned most of Willie Shoemaker networth? He went into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1958 - more than 30 years ago. of 1. ', 'The only one is my sister and shes only 15,' her sister replied. Willie Shoemaker's Life Path Number is 5 as per numerology. Feb 2, 1851 - Apr 27, 1942. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. He will appear in the winner's circle for a special race in his honor this afternoon, then ride in the Texas Derby Saturday afternoon. Willie Shoemaker was born on the 19th of August, 1931. I want to see people and have fun. Edwin Mosess athletic achievement is extraordinary by any standards. People of this zodiac sign like to be admired, expensive things, bright colors, and dislike being ignored, facing difficulties, not being treated specially. He was honored by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1958. See Photos. Willie Shoemaker Horse Jockey #176870 Most Popular Boost Birthday August 19, 1931 Birthplace Fabens, TX DEATH DATE Oct 12, 2003 ( age 72 ) Birth Sign Leo About Horse jockey who won 8,833 horse races in his 40-year career. Relationships Willie Shoemaker was previously married to Cindy Barnes and Bessie Mae Masterson. Try again later. As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. About Willie . He rode his last race on Feb. 3, 1990 at Santa Anita Park. The first of his eventual 8,833 career victories came a month later, on April 20, aboard Shafter V, at Golden Gate Fields in Albany, California. We collect and match historical records that Ancestry users have contributed to their family trees to create each person's profile. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. Over the course of his career, he won eleven Triple Crown races, spanning four different decades. I was still living in the area at the time, not far from the accident site. Jockey: William Shoemaker Jockey Buying Format All Filters SPONSORED Winning Colors Kentucky Derby Program Piece All Signed Beckett Authenticated $999.95 Free shipping or Best Offer SPONSORED 1986 Champion Racehorse Jockey BILL WILLIE SHOEMAKER Glossy 8x10 Photo Print $4.99 $2.50 shipping SPONSORED Willie Shoemaker - Trivia, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays I had just stumbled upon a great story. After rehabilitative treatment, he returned to the track as a trainer and worked until his retirement in 1997. When I started breaking yearlings, I couldn't wait to get thrown for the first time. Bill Shoemaker, also called Willie Shoemaker, byname of William Lee Shoemaker, (born August 19, 1931, near Fabens, Texas, U.S.died October 12, 2003, San Marino, California), greatest American jockey of the second half of the 20th century. He also won two Preakness Stakes, five Belmont Stakes and rode Ferdinand to victory in the Breeders Cup in 1987 and also garnered him Horse of the Year honors. Pot smuggler's accident, Belmont Park, Willie Shoemaker, prostitution after Stingaree, truth serum, a family's letters Stories hidden in the back pages of the Reader Author Willie Shoemaker is a Horse Jockey, zodiac sign: Leo. One of his greatest victories was at the 1986 Kentucky Derby when, at age 54, he rode a 17-1 shot named Ferdinand to victory. Horse jockey who won 8,833 horse races in his 40-year career. He was 72. Learn more about managing a memorial .