[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 439 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                         March 2, 2004.
Whereas Willie Shoemaker was born Billie Lee Shoemaker on August 19, 1931, in 
        Fabens, Texas;
Whereas Willie Shoemaker, nicknamed the ``Shoe'', is arguably the most 
        successful jockey in the history of horse racing;
Whereas Willie Shoemaker won his first race at the age of 18 and had compiled 
        8,833 victories by the time he retired in 1990;
Whereas in 1970, Willie Shoemaker became the all-time leader in career wins by 
        surpassing John Longden's total of 6,033 wins;
Whereas on March 3, 1985, while riding Lord at War at the Santa Anita Handicap, 
        Willie Shoemaker became the first jockey to total $100,000,000 in purse 
        winnings;
Whereas Willie Shoemaker held the record for career wins for 29 years;
Whereas Willie Shoemaker won four Kentucky Derbies, five Belmont Stakes, and 
        three Preakness Stakes;
Whereas Willie Shoemaker was the oldest jockey to ride a winner in the Kentucky 
        Derby and the Breeder's Cup;
Whereas at Santa Anita in 1990, Willie Shoemaker ran the final race of his 
        storied 41-year career;
Whereas Willie Shoemaker is a member of thoroughbred racing's Hall of Fame and 
        the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame;
Whereas on April 8, 1991, just over a year after his retirement, Willie 
        Shoemaker was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed from 
        the neck down;
Whereas Willie Shoemaker was an honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of 
        the Paralysis Project of America, whose mission is to accelerate 
        progress toward finding a cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord 
        injury; and
Whereas on October 13, 2003, America was saddened by the death of Willie 
        Shoemaker at the age of 72: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) honors the life and legendary career in horse racing of Willie 
        Shoemaker; and
            (2) expresses condolences on the passing of Willie Shoemaker to his 
        family and friends.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.