Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 10, 1991 TAG: 9104100164
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: INGLEWOOD, CALIF. LENGTH: Medium
Shoemaker "suffered severe injuries, the most critical of which is paralysis of his extremities associated with a fracture and dislocation of his neck," according to a statement released by his wife, Cindy.
Shoemaker, 59, who retired as a rider last year and now is a trainer at Santa Anita, was alone when his vehicle veered to the right, careened over the side of State Route 30 and tumbled down a 50-foot embankment, said California Highway Patrol officer Joe Flores.
The CHP issued a warrant for Shoemaker's arrest.
"We think he was under the influence of alcohol because there was an odor of alcohol on his person," Flores said, adding that results of a blood-alcohol test performed immediately after the accident won't be available for about two weeks.
"He may be little, but he's very tough," said trainer Charlie Whittingham, whom Shoemaker gave a Kentucky Derby victory in 1986 aboard Ferdinand.
As a jockey, the 4-foot-11 Shoemaker weighed 98 pounds. When he was born in 1931, he was given little chance of survival because of his size.
"Right from the start people said he wasn't going to make it. That will assist him greatly in his recovery," said Dan Smith, who co-wrote Shoemaker's 1975 autobiography, "The Shoe."
Shoemaker emerged as the pre-eminent thoroughbred rider with four Kentucky Derby victories and five in the Belmont Stakes. His victory with Ferdinand at age 54 made him the oldest Derby winner.
A native of Fabens, Texas, Shoemaker won 8,833 races and his mounts earned $123,375,524 - both records.
I U ION PHO O: Bill hoemaker
Keywords:
HORSE RACING
by CNB