BILL SHOEMAKER

[louis finochio]

Rex Ellsworth had a jockey school in Chino Calif. 50 some years ago, and the students of the jockey school were, Glen Laswell, Bill Shoemaker, Luis Leon, Bobby Menell and Gordon Glisson.

When they finished their course Glen Laswell was voted the most likely to succeed. Bill Shoemaker was looked upon as being too small and not likely to become as success at his trade because he was to tiny and didnt have enough strenght in his body to handle those TB.

This is a true story as it was told to me by Richard Schmidt who was in that class of jockeys that Bill Shoemaker was in.

[fernhollow]

So what became of Glen Laswell? Thank goodness Shoemaker didn't listen.

Thank you.

[louis finochio]

Glen Laswell was a successful jockey but not in the same class as Shoe.

[Nessa]

What Shoemaker lacked in pure physical strength he more than made up for in the ability to communicate with his mounts, which went a long way towards getting them to perform the way they did for him. I wish more riders would try to be more like him.

[louis finochio]

Bill Shoemaker was a real class person, he would always say good morning to you. I remember when I went by his stable office and he would be siting in his wheelchair and I would say good morning and he would always return the same.

Years ago when Bill was riding I would go into the jockeys room and Bill would be playing cards with Eddie D. and telling his favorite jokes.

Trainer Pat Gallagher is now in Shoe's stable office and when I go into his office I still remember seeing Shoe sitting in his wheelchair. It brings back alot of pleasant memories.