He stayed too long, partied too much, and married too often. Three dings that caused a loss of favor in late years of a brilliant career.

The irony of the mighty little man of racing retiring late, but in tact, only to suffer quadriplegia two years later is a sign all should reflect on as they toil through life. Willie's legacy of greatness is deserved. His life's message is worth a peaceful moment of reflection.

Most of his career marks have been eclipsed in the last few years, but this guy will always be The Legend for me. I was privileged to see his last ride at Santa Anita, and it is the only time that I have seen a crowd cheer the rider of a fifth place horse as he waved to the stewards and dismounted.

The best jockey i've ever seen race!! THE BEST EVER!!!!

Is, was, will always be the best.

Bill Shoemaker was the greatest jockey ever. Yes, his wins mark has been surpassed. And yes he never won the Triple Crown. But he was the driving force behind some of the greatest mounts ever. Shoemaker knew how to calm an unruly horse and to make it perform exactly the way he wanted it to. He was, above all, a master tactician- always carefully placing a horse in a position to win. Yes, the 'Shoe' was magnificent.