This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends.
Jockey William Lee 'Bill' Shoemaker's career began on March 19, 1949 at the age of 18, with the first of his victories coming a month later, on April 20, 1949. During his long career, Shoemaker won eleven Triple Crown races, spanning four decades: 4 Kentucky Derbys, 2 Preakness Stakes and 5 Belmont Stakes, as well as one Breeders' Cup Classic. In 1986, he became the oldest jockey ever to win the race at the age of 54. Throughout his career, Shoemaker won 8,833 races and rode for a record 40,350 races. After retiring as a professional jockey in 1990, he returned to the track as a trainer and was modestly successful. He also authored three murder mysteries using his racetrack experience. Shoemaker passed away on October 12, 2003 at the age of 72. Photograph caption dated January 28, 1960 reads, "Howard B. Keck's Bagdad, shown in a drill with Jockey Bill Shoemaker up, is one of the favorites in Saturday's running of the $100,000 Santa Anita Maturity at the Arcadia track. He will face a choice field in the rich event."
Shoemaker, Bill,--1931-2003 Santa Anita Park (Arcadia, Calif.) Jockeys--United States Horse racing Horse trainers Racetracks (Horse racing) Horses Men Arcadia (Calif.) Portrait photographs
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