Justin Vitek, jockey, dead at 36
January 28, 2010 by Ryan
I was saddened when I learned that journeyman jockey Justin Vitek had succombed to acute myelogenous leukemia early Thursday morning. He was diagnosed with the illness two years ago. I had a chance to meet and have a brief chat with Justin a short time after he received his diagnosis. He seemed in good spirits despite the hand he had been dealt. After meeting him I posted links and mailing information for the Justin Vitek Fund.
Vitek won 763 races from 8,209 mounts and he earned in excess of $9.88 million. He was able to ride four times while his cancer was in remission. I can remember like yesterday watching him ride Model’s Memo at Turfway Park in early 2009. The biggest win of his career came in the 2000 Grade 2 Goldenrod Stakes aboard Miss Pickums. Justin Vitek is survived by his six year old daughter Bree and his mother Kathy.
If you are interested in sending money to the Justin Vitek Fund the mailing address is listed below. I’m sure the money could be used to help his young daughter or to help cover funeral costs. Horse racing will miss you Justin!
The Justin Vitek Fund
c/o JoLynn Johnston
5394 Taylor Mill Rd.
Taylor Mill, Ky 41015
Click here for a DRF story about Justin Vitek by Marty McGee.
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Justins sister married into my family. Everything I have ever heard about Justin was nothing but good
he will be extremely missed. He touched alot of peoples lives and was a amazing jockey. We love and miss you Uncle JJ!
-Hannah <3
You’ve heard nothing but the truth from my limited but pleasant experience with Justin. I can’t claim to have known him well, but he seemed like a good person.
RIP.
I had the pleasure to coach JJ in High School. He was a fine young man with a great spirit. May god Bless the Vitek family.
Ronnie Hill
J. J. and I were elementary school friends and later high school football team mates. We were not extremely close in our high school days but friends none the less. He was one of those type guys that would always lend a hand when you needed it. A genuinely good person that will be missed. The world is a little darker without him. RIP JJ…..
Shawn Cathey