Desire is the most important factor in the success of any athlete.

When Shoemaker earned his 6033rd victory in September 1970 he broke jockey Johnny Longden's record. Shoemaker rode the popular California horse Silky Sullivan about which he is quoted as saying: "You just had to let him run his race. 5 pounds (1.

For 29 years he held the world record of number of professional jockey victories.