Willie Simms facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willie Simms |
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Willie Simms (c.1900)
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| Occupation | Jockey |
| Born | January 16, 1870 Augusta, Georgia, USA |
| Died | February 26, 1927 (aged 57) Asbury Park, New Jersey, USA |
| Career wins | 1,125 |
| Major racing wins | |
| Belles Stakes (1891, 1892) Spinaway Stakes (1891) Champion Stakes (1892) First Special Stakes (1892, 1894, 1897) Second Special Stakes (1892, 1894, 1895, 1897) Flatbush Stakes (1892) Sapphire Stakes (1892) Tidal Stakes (1892, 1894, 1897) Lawrence Realization Stakes (1893, 1894) Pansy Stakes (1893) Surf Stakes (1893) Zephyr Stakes (1893) Fashion Stakes (1894) Juvenile Stakes (1894, 1898) Mermaid Stakes (1894) Reapers Stakes (1894) September Stakes (1894, 1895) Jerome Handicap (1895) Withers Stakes (1896, 1897) Brighton Handicap (1897, 1898) Omnium Handicap (1895, 1897) Tremont Stakes (1897) Broadway Stakes (1898) Golden Rod Stakes (1898) Toboggan Handicap (1898) Annual Champion Stakes (1901) American Classic Race wins: |
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| Racing awards | |
| United States Champion Jockey by wins (1893, 1894) | |
| Honours | |
| United States Racing Hall of Fame (1977) | |
| Significant horses | |
| Ben Brush, Clifford, Sly Fox, Lady Violet, Henry of Navarre, Commanche, Plaudit, Lamplighter | |
Willie Simms (born January 16, 1870 – died February 26, 1927) was an amazing American jockey. He was a top rider in Thoroughbred racing. He even won five of the races that are now part of the U.S. Triple Crown series.
Simms was an African American jockey. He is a member of the U.S. Racing Hall of Fame. He was known for his special riding style.
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Who Was Willie Simms?
Willie Simms started his racing career in 1887. He quickly became one of the best jockeys of his time. He was known for using a "short-stirrup" style. This meant he rode with his stirrups pulled up high. This gave him a crouching position over the horse. This style helped horses run faster.
Early Career and Top Wins
Willie Simms became the United States riding champion in 1893 and 1894. During these years, he won the Belmont Stakes two times in a row. This is one of the most important races in America.
On August 17, 1894, Simms had an incredible day. He won the first five races at Jerome Park Racetrack. He then finished second in the very last race. All five of his winning horses were trained by Hardy Campbell Jr..
Racing in England and Back Home
In 1895, a newspaper called Boston Post reported on Willie Simms. They said he was one of the best jockeys. He was earning a lot of money, more than $10,500 a year. That would be like earning over $315,000 today!
That same year, Simms traveled to England to race. He made history there. He became the first American jockey to win a race in England with an American horse. This was a big achievement for him and for American racing.
Triple Crown Wins
After returning to the United States, Simms continued his winning streak. He won the Kentucky Derby in 1896. He rode a horse named Ben Brush. This was the first time the Derby was run at 1¼ miles.
He won the Kentucky Derby again in 1898. This time, his horse was Plaudit. A few weeks later, he won the Preakness Stakes on a different horse, Sly Fox.
At that time, people didn't use the name "Triple Crown" yet. But Willie Simms won races that are now part of this famous series. He won the Belmont Stakes twice (1893, 1894), the Kentucky Derby twice (1896, 1898), and the Preakness Stakes once (1898). He is the only African American jockey to win all three of these important Triple Crown races.
A Racing Legend
Willie Simms rode for 14 years. He rode some of the greatest racehorses of his time. One famous horse he rode was Henry of Navarre. This horse was named American Horse of the Year twice.
Willie Simms finished his career with 1,125 wins. That's a lot of victories! In 1977, he was honored for his amazing career. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. This means he is remembered as one of the best jockeys ever.
Sometimes, people in the newspapers would misspell his name as "Sims." But his real name was Willie Simms.
