Jockey George Patrick “Jeep” Ryan passed away Monday from complications from a stroke. He was 78.

Ryan, who lived in Amelia, Ohio, spent more than 40 years as a jockey and was a popular rider on the Kentucky and Ohio circuits. He was the leading apprentice rider at River Downs in 1948.

Ryan began his career with three straight victories, each at different distance, at Cranwood racetrack in Ohio. Ryan, who once rode five winners on a card at Beulah Park, retired in 1984 with 922 wins from 7,621 mounts that earned $1,602,435 but the itch to ride horses never left.

“I never lost the urge to be competitive and the desire to ride,” Ryan said in an interview with Joe Ference of the Daily Racing Form. “After getting the feel of galloping, the urge to ride again became very strong, so I worked horses at River Downs and it really felt good.”

Ryan returned to competitive racing on June 21, 1991 and won several races during the summer.

"As long as I don't make over $8,700 it doesn't affect my Social Security," joked Ryan, who hung up his tack for good later that year. “The hardest ride I've had since returning to the saddle, is the one past the donut shop every day.”

A native of Indianapolis, Ryan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon, four children and nine grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at Lindale Baptist Church in Amelia, Ohio. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST followed by a memorial service.