The Walker Family
Last Modified 4/5/2007

William Walker

William Walker won the 1877 Derby aboard Baden Baden for African-American trainer Ed Brown. A native of Woodford County, Ky., Walker was born into slavery in 1860 at General Abe Buford's Bosque Bonita Farm near Versailles. In 1871, as an 11-year-old, he began his riding career at Jerome Park and rode his first winner later that year in Lexington. By age 13, Walker had secured his first stakes victory. One of his greatest victories was aboard Ten Broeck in a famed four-mile match race at Churchill Downs, July 4, 1878, with the California-based mare Molly McCarthy. He was Churchill's leading rider on five occasions, fall 1875-76 and spring 1876-77-78. After retiring, he became a trainer and was considered an expert in Thoroughbred breeding and bloodlines and served in an advisory capacity to John E. Madden, breeder of five Kentucky Derby winners. Walker saw every Kentucky Derby, 59 straight, until his death on Sept. 20, 1933 while at his home. He is buried in Louisville Cemetery. During Derby Week 1996, Churchill Downs placed a headstone, detailing Walker's career, at the previously unmarked grave.

William "Uncle Billy" Walker - One of the men who personifies "the best" of American racing was William Walker, whose career as a jockey was outstanding. Had he done no more than win the 1878 "match of the century" at Churchill Downs aboard Ten Broeck over Molly McCarthy, his place in history would be assured. Walker rode in four Derbies, winning on Baden-Baden in 1877. When he became too heavy to ride, he turned to training. At the time of his death in 1933, he was the acknowledged American authority on thoroughbred pedigree, a consultant to prominent Kentucky breeder John E. Madden on matters of conformation and breeding. Although crippled by arthritis, he was a fixture at all the prominent sales, both in Kentucky and New York, a wealthy and elegant gentleman who left no heir to his encyclopedic knowledge. He is buried at the Louisville Cemetery at the corner of Eastern Parkway and Poplar Level Road.