Shoe's Flies Don't Bother Me

Hall of Fame Jockey Willie Shoemaker died in his sleep Sunday morning at the age of 72. In his 41-year career, he won 8,833 of his record 40,350 races, and finished in the money in nearly half of his races. He held the record for victories until 1999, and his dossier included winning the Kentucky Derby 4 times, the Preakness twice and the Belmont 5 times. In 1986, at 54, he became the oldest man ever to win the Kentucky Derby, on Ferdinand, in what many regard as one of the greatest rides in horsing history. He was less successful with cars, and after an afternoon of golf and alcohol a single-car accident left him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite his injuries, he carried on as a trainer for 6 years from his wheelchair.