The Golden Gate Fields Winners Circle is named for Willie Shoemaker, commemorating his first win there at age 18. He became the nation’s leading rider for 41 years, from 1949-1990, with 8,833 wins. Shoemaker won every major race in the country, including the Kentucky Derby four times, as well as multiple stake races at Golden Gate Fields, Bay Meadows, and the old Tanforan.

Inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

Plaque location: Golden Gate Fields