The Simms Family
Last Modified 4/5/2007

Willie Simms

Willie Simms won in both of his Derby attempts, 1896 aboard Ben Brush and 1898 with Plaudit. Born January 16, 1870 in Augusta, GA, Sims is the only African-American rider to win each of the Triple Crown events. He won the Preakness in 1898 aboard Sly Fox and consecutive runnings of the Belmont with Commanche, 1893, and Henry of Navaree, 1894. He also was the nation's leading jockey in 1893 and 1894. Simms was the first American jockey to win a race with an American horse at an English race course and is credited with introducing the short stirrup riding style to England in the 1890's. He later trained horses and died February 26, 1927 in Asbury, N.J. at 47.