Broken Records

Oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby

The current oldest jockey to win the kentucky derby record is 54 years, held by Bill Shoemaker, set on May 3, 1986. Last checked October 14, 2026.

54

years

Bill Shoemaker

Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, United States, 1986

Holder
Bill Shoemaker
Record
54 years
Location
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Date set
May 3, 1986
Recognized by
Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby
Last checked
October 14, 2026

Put it in perspective

Bill Shoemaker lived through 54 years of history. Here is what changed along the way.

  1. Born1932
  2. Age 71939World War II begins
  3. Age 371969First people walk on the Moon
  4. Age 541986Sets the record: 54 years

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