NEWS
Derby Museum acquires Shoemaker memorabilia
Posted: Friday, January 23, 2009 5:38 PM
BILL SHOEMAKER
A collection of racing memorabilia owned by Racing Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker will be permanently housed at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville.
The collection includes scrapbooks, photos, awards, and numerous trophies that Shoemaker collected during a 41-year riding career that concluded in 1990. Shoemaker, who became a trainer after retiring from riding, died at age 72 on October 13, 2003.
A temporary exhibit of Shoemaker’s memorabilia will be on display beginning on February 2 at the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is adjacent to Churchill Downs. A permanent exhibit is scheduled to be unveiled in April 2010.
“I’m honored that my father’s historic accomplishments will be enjoyed by race fans from around the world,” said Amanda Shoemaker, the rider’s daughter. “He broke numerous records and captured many titles during his 40-year career as a jockey. He overcame great adversity after his accident and, although he was bound to a wheelchair, he never gave up his love of horses or racing.”
Shoemaker continued to train horses after being paralyzed in a car accident in 1991. He concluded his riding career with a then-North American best 8,833 career wins, including four victories in the Kentucky Derby.
Shoemaker retired from race riding with $123,375,524 in purse earnings.
