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Willie Shoemaker

Chronology



1931 Born August 19 in Fabens, Texas to parents Bebe and Ruby Shoemaker
1949 Makes first professional ride on March 19
1950 Marries Virginia McLaughlin
1955 Has first Kentucky Derby victory
1957 Loses Kentucky Derby after misjudging finish line
1960 Divorced from first wife
1961 Marries Babs Bayer on November 29
1968 Breaks femur in riding accident
1969 Breaks pelvis, ruptures bladder, and damages nerves in paddock accident
1978 Divorced by second wife effective March 6
1978 Marries Cindy Barnes on March 7
1979 Wins Marlboro Cup on Spectacular Bid
1986 Wins Kentucky Derby at age fifty-four
1990 Retires from race riding
1991 Paralyzed in automobile accident

Additional topics

Famous Sports StarsHorse RacingWillie Shoemaker - Early Challenges, Exceptional Talents, Chronology, Related Biography: Jockey Eddie Arcaro, Setting Records - CONTACT INFORMATION