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! WM. H. SHELLEY LONG j IDENTIFIED WITH DERBY j LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 1.— William H. Shelley, racing secretary at Churchill Downs, witnessed his first Kentucky Derby in 1879. As a barefoot boy and from a position in the center field, he saw Lord Murphy race to victory in the Derby of that year. Thus started another Louisvillian on the road to a high and important position in racing. Some years later found Judge Shelley holding his first race track position. As a starter, he was employed as assistant to the judges and since has filled practically every role in the administration of race track affairs. His career as a racing secretary dates back twenty years, and excepting only one year, he has held that position at tracks in Kentucky and other parts of North America. In 1908, when, due to a train wreck, starter Jake Holtman was unable to reach the track, Judge Shelley was obliged to officiate in Holtman s place. As that was Derby Day, it was Judge Shelley who sent Stonestreet and seven others on their way in a race won by that horse.
