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.
After moving to California as a teen-ager, Willie Shoemaker rode to his first win when he was 17-years-old. At 4-feet 11-inches and 95 pounds, "The Shoe" worked primarily in Southern California. When he saddled his last horse in 1990, 64,573 fans showed up at Santa Anita Racetrack to cheer him on. His post-jockey career as a trainer ended prematurely when he was paralyzed in a car accident. He had 8,833 career wins and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1958. Shoemaker also authored three murder mysteries in the 1990s using his racetrack experience. He died in 2003 at age 72. Photograph article date stamped June 26, 1964 partially reads, "Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Goldenberg's Canadian B., one of the most improved horses at Hollywood Park, seeks his third straight victory today as he heads a field of eight three-year-olds in the featured $12,000 Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce purse... Oldie, who will have Jack Leonard in the boot, and Emphil's Lodge, with Bill Shoemaker scheduled to ride, chased War Helmet in their last efforts, finishing second and fourth, respectively." Pictured is Bill 'Willie' Shoemaker.
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