A Shoe-In

Commonly known as the winning jockey in history, Willie Shoemaker achieved just about every milestone in his sport. He achieved more than most athletes, war heroes and politicians. Known for his soft hands, Shoemaker was renown for his finesse when reining, and his toughness. His career ended on a dramatic note, and his involvement in the industry ended with a car crash.

Shoemaker’s career spanned 42 years. That career included 8,833 winning rides (the most wins in one year), 1009 stakes wins, 4 Derby wins, and 11 Triple Crown wins. He earned a record $123 million in purse wins and about $10 million in earnings. He was the oldest jockey (at 54) to win the Derby, and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1958.

As one of the smallest jockeys ever (98 pounds), Shoemaker’s career started at Golden Gate Fields in California. His ability to win started as an apprentice. In 1950, he tied for the most apprentice wins. To punctuate his winning record, in 1957, he lost the Derby by misjudging the finish line and slowed his winning mount too early.

Few athletes are able to add to the common vocabulary, but Willie Shoemaker did. His track record of winning so often that his success became a forgone conclusion, led to the phrase “shoe-in” to capture this effect.

His riding career ended in 1990 with a global final tour. Shoemaker then turned to training until an accident left him paralyzed for the remainder of his life.