Jockey Justin Vitek died early this morning in Houston after a battle with acute myelogenous leukemia, a form of blood cancer. He was 36.

Vitek, a native of Wallace, Texas, began his riding career at 1993 at Sunland Park in New Mexico. During his career, the well-traveled rider spend time on the circuits in Southern California, Washington, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. He rode 763 winners from 8,205 mounts; horses he rode combined to earn over $9.88 million. Vitek’s biggest win came in the Grade II Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs, which he won in 2000 aboard Miss Pickums.

Vitek was diagnosed with his illness in February 2008. He underwent multiple chemotherapy and stem cell treatments and returned to ride a handful of races at Turfway Park last year before relapsing. He is survived by his mother, Kelly, and his 6-year-old daughter, Bree. Services will be held in his hometown and a memorial service is being planned at Turfway.

Vitek’s story of returning to ride against all odds is an example of how much those who work in this industry love what they do. Our condolences go out to his family and friends on this sad loss.