Former jockey/trainer Bill Mahorney dies at 75

Former jockey and trainer Bill Mahorney, 75, died Thursday after contracting pneumonia.

Mahorney, who won the 1975 riding title at Golden Gate Fields after winning titles in Chicago and New York, began his career riding Quarter Horses. He switched to Thoroughbreds in 1965 and was that year’s leading apprentice by wins.

Mahorney severely injured both knees in a 1965 automobile accident and underwent numerous knee surgeries. He ultimately received an artificial knee and was able to continue his career.

Among the stakes winners he rode were Raise Your Skirts, Maheras, and Star of Kuwait.

Mahorney became a trainer in 1985 and tried to return to the saddle briefly in 1988 before retiring for good as a rider and returning to training. His stakes winners included Zeeskite and Marty’s Zee, whose 2012 foal, Mahorney, was named after her trainer.

Services are pending for Mahorney, who is survived by his daughter, Cinda, a trainer, and son, William Jr., a former jockey.