Last month, Del Mar lost one of its iconic jockeys, Donald Pierce, who passed away at 89 years old. Over a distinguished 31-year career that began in the late 1950s and extended through the 1960s and 1970s, Pierce won an impressive 3,546 races. Known for his deep affection for the Del Mar racetrack, he frequently called it his favorite place to compete.
Pierce was a key figure in the fiercely competitive Southern California jockey scene, riding alongside legends like Bill Shoemaker, Johnny Longden, and Eddie Arcaro. Later, he faced fierce competition from top riders such as Chris McCarron, Laffit Pincay Jr., and Eddie Delahoussaye.
Throughout his career, Pierce secured 54 stakes victories at Del Mar, including four wins in the Del Mar Debutante and three wins each in both the Del Mar Derby and the Del Mar Oaks. He triumphed in nearly every major stakes race at the track, from the San Diego Handicap to the Del Mar Futurity. Despite these accomplishments, he captured only one riding title in 1966, a remarkable season in which he returned after a six-year hiatus and notched 47 wins.
Although he was a fierce competitor on the track, Pierce shared a close personal friendship with Bill Shoemaker that lasted well beyond their retirement. They often spent time together both in Arcadia and at Del Mar. Tragically, Shoemaker suffered a life-altering car accident on his way to see Pierce, which left Shoemaker wheelchair-bound for life.
One of Pierce’s favorite memories involving Shoemaker took place at the 1962 Santa Anita Handicap. That race featured a three-way entry including Pierce, Shoemaker, and Alex Maese. While jockeys in such entries often agree beforehand to split prize money, Pierce, riding a longshot, was excluded from this pact. Defying the odds, Pierce won the race, and as the horses cooled down, Shoemaker came alongside and shouted, “You’re in, Don, you’re in.”
Following his riding career, Pierce settled in Encinitas and remained a familiar figure at Del Mar, where he also worked as a clocker for several years. His Hall of Fame plaque and George Woolf Trophy are proudly displayed inside the Horsemen’s Lounge on the third floor of Del Mar’s Stretch Run.
As his health declined about a year ago, Pierce moved to Denton, Texas, to be near his family. He is survived by his brother Larry, daughter Connie Markum, sons Edward and Donald Jr., five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
This story was originally featured in the Paulick Report on November 6, 2026.
Fan Take: Donald Pierce’s passing marks the loss of a true racing legend who helped shape the fabric of West Coast thoroughbred racing. Remembering his legacy reminds us how the sport’s competitive spirit is built on deep camaraderie and countless untold stories, inspiring future generations of jockeys to leave their mark.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
