Billy Walker (jockey) facts for kids

William Walker (1860 – September 20, 1933) was an American jockey. He was a very talented horse rider who achieved great success in the sport of horse racing.

Billy Walker: A Racing Star

Billy Walker was born in 1860 near Versailles, Kentucky. He was born into slavery, but he became a top jockey. From 1875 to 1878, he was the best rider at Churchill Downs. This is the famous racetrack where the Kentucky Derby is held.

The Famous Match Race

One of Billy Walker's most exciting wins was in a special type of race called a match race. This race happened on July 4, 1878, in Louisville, Kentucky. Billy Walker rode a famous horse named Ten Broeck. They raced against a great mare (female horse) from California named Mollie McCarty. Ten Broeck and Billy Walker won this exciting race.

Winning the Kentucky Derby

In 1877, Billy Walker achieved one of his biggest dreams. He rode a horse named Baden-Baden to victory in the 1877 Kentucky Derby. The owner of Baden-Baden was Daniel Swigert. The horse's trainer was Edward D. Brown, who later became very famous in horse racing history.

Billy Walker raced in the Kentucky Derby four times in total. His last Derby race was in 1896, where he finished seventh.

Life After Racing

Billy Walker stopped riding horses professionally in 1896. However, he stayed involved in horse racing. He became a trainer, helping to prepare horses for races. He also worked as an adviser to John E. Madden, a very well-known horse breeder. A breeder is someone who raises horses, often to create new champions.

Billy Walker passed away in 1933. He was buried at the Louisville Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky. For many years, his grave did not have a headstone. But in 1996, during the week of the 1996 Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs placed a headstone on his grave. This stone tells about his amazing career as a jockey.