Biggest Blunder in Kentucky Derby History Led to Jockey With 8,833 Race Wins and $123,368,024 Earnings Suffering Saddening Fate Once

A man’s blunders always become more famous than all the noble acts put together- that is human nature. This especially holds true for sports, and in extension is true for the Kentucky Derby as well. May 4, 1957, is the perfect example of a situation like this. That day marked the 83rd running of the famous horse race, a day that would change the life of Bill Shoemaker forever.

Shoemaker was 25 at the time, and even at that young age, he was a fierce jockey who had already etched his name in the Derby world. Bill Shoemaker’s career began in 1949 and throughout his career, he won a world-record 8,833 races. His horses won a cumulative of $123,368,024. He has won 1,110 stakes, 263 of them with purses of at least $100,000. Impressive statistics, yes. But even these figures could not save him from the misfortune that would befall him at the 83rd Derby.

A sure Kentucky Derby win that turned into a loss

The 1957 race began like any other, as 20 horses started galloping towards the finish line, eager to be the first. No one would have probably imagined what was about to happen. Bill Shoemaker, riding atop Gallant Man, was quickly eliminating the distance between him and the finish line. Then in a shocking move, Shoemaker suddenly stopped at the sixteenth pole and stood up in the irons.

Though it all happened in a split second, it was clear that Shoemaker had misjudged the finish line, and he had stopped short, thinking he had already crossed it and won the race. As soon as the celebrated jockey realized it, he quickly took the reins in his hands and started riding hard again, but to no avail. the damage was done. His rival, Bill Hartack, riding on the back of Iron Liege, had already overtaken him. Unsurprisingly, Iron Liege won that race.

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According to The New York Times, the famous horse trainer, John Nerud, once commented on the situation, saying, “I never figured out why he pulled up. He was one of the greatest riders ever. I didn’t know what happened at the time until it was over.” Nonetheless, Shoemaker had already clinched a Derby title by then, which he did in 1955. After this incident, he also went on to win 11 Triple Crown races–four Kentucky Derby titles, two Preakness, and five Belmont Stakes. His career is indeed a decorated one.

Shoemaker: the legendary jockey

Considered one of the best jockeys of his time, Bill Shoemaker rode to win number 8,833, his last, on January 20, 1990, aboard Beau Genius. In this final race, he rode Patchy Groundfog in the $100,000 Legend’s Last Ride, a one-mile stakes on the grass at Santa Anita. According to an article by AP News, Shoemaker said, “I’m 58-years-old. I’ve been riding for 40 years and figure I better get out while I can – in one piece.”

Shoemaker’s career was nothing short of a movie. There was drama, tragedy, and controversy, but most importantly, there was an unmistakable glint of greatness that came from him. His magnetic presence was clear as day for anyone to experience. From 1949, till he retired, he surpassed nine U.S. Presidents and rode some of the greatest horses that horse racing has to offer. His career was a historic one, something that inspires horse riders to this date.

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