BILL SHOEMAKER, 72 Hall of Fame jockey conquers the odds

In 1986 he became the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby at 54.
SAN MARINO, Calif. (AP) -- Bill Shoemaker was so small at birth, he wasn't expected to live through the night. He grew into one of the 20th century's best athletes, riding four Kentucky Derby winners among his 8,833 victories.
The Hall of Fame jockey died in his sleep Sunday at his home in suburban Los Angeles, according to longtime friend and trainer Paddy Gallagher. Gallagher, an assistant during Shoemaker's training career, said he was told Shoemaker died of natural causes. He was 72.
He had been paralyzed from the neck down since a car accident in 1991.
Tiny at birth
Shoemaker was 2 pounds when he was born Aug. 19, 1931, and he was kept in a shoebox near a fire to stay warm. He grew to be 4-foot-11 and 95 pounds, and never had to battle to keep his weight down like most jockeys.
"For a man his size, wearing a size 21/2 shoe, he was a giant," retired Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Delahoussaye said.
Shoemaker rode much of his 41-year career in Southern California's ultra-competitive circuit. His victory total is the second-highest in racing history and he was the first jockey to reach $100 million in career earnings in 1985.
In 1986, at age 54, he became the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby when he guided Ferdinand along a small opening on the rail in a ride considered one of the best ever.
That victory came 21 years after his previous Derby win, aboard Lucky Debonair in 1965. He also won America's most famous race in 1959 with Tomy Lee and 1955 with Swaps.
Most famous loss
Perhaps his most well-known Derby ride was one he lost, in 1957.
Dueling toward the finish line at Churchill Downs were Gallant Man, ridden by Shoemaker, and Iron Liege, ridden by Bill Hartack.
At the sixteenth pole, Shoemaker stood up, mistaking it for the finish line. He sat back down immediately but Gallant Man lost by a nose.
Five weeks later, Shoemaker rode Gallant Man to an eight-length victory in the Belmont Stakes -- a race he won five times. He also won two Preakness Stakes and rode Ferdinand to a victory over Alysheba in the 1987 Breeders' Cup Classic to capture Horse of the Year honors.
"He was one of the greatest human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing in my life," said retired jockey Chris McCarron, now general manager of Santa Anita. "Forget about his ability to communicate with horses. His compassion for people was second to none."