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This Associated Press photograph from April 1952 is of Johnny Gilbert, the nation's leading jockey in 1932. Gilbert's 18-year riding career came to an abrupt end in January 1951, when he suffered a broken neck in a racing accident at Santa Anita. He was paralyzed initially, and the injury was feared to be fatal. He eventually achieved a ninety percent recovery but he could no longer ride. This photo marks the beginning of his new career as a trainer.
Gilbert was born in Pittsburg, Kansas on August 6, 1914 with a birth name of John Dyer. He took the last name of Gilbert when he was adopted by Robert E. Gilbert, a Pittsburg veterinarian. He reportedly rode in his first races at the Crawford County Fair.
As a jockey, Gilbert competed in 9,133 races and won 1,499 of them. His mounts earned a total of $3.4 million. In 1932, his best year, Gilbert had 212 wins.
Johnny Gilbert died in California in 1973.
The photo includes a typewritten caption and a Associated Press stamp on the reverse.
Date: 1952
Item Number: 228563
Call Number: B Gilbert, John *1
KSHS Identifier: DaRT ID: 228563
Collections - Photograph
Community Life - Recreation and Sports - Sports - Racing (dog and horse)
Date - 1950s - 1952
Objects and Artifacts - Communication Artifacts - Documentary Artifact - Photograph
Places - Cities and towns - Pittsburg
Places - Counties - Crawford
Places - Other States - California
Type of Material - Photographs
http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/228563