George Patrick "Jeep" Ryan, a popular jockey on the Ohio and Kentucky circuit, died Feb. 19 from complications from a stroke. Ryan, who lived in Amelia, Ohio, was 78.

Ryan, who rode from the late 1940s to the mid '60s, was the leading apprentice rider at River Downs in 1948. Ryan's riding career began perhaps like that of no other jockey in the history of racing--at least not to Ryan's knowledge.

It started at old Cranwood racetrack near Cleveland. Ryan noted that he won aboard his first three mounts; each horse was a different age and each win at a different distance. Ryan also posted a "five-bagger" at Beulah Park. Upon his first "retirement" at 56, the Irish reinsman had started in 7,621 races compiling a record of 922 wins, 892 seconds and 856 third-place finishes for earnings of $1,602,435. He turned from his riding talents to remodeling homes, specializing in ceramic tile work.

In 1991, Ryan began galloping some horses for a friend. "I never lost the urge to be competitive and the desire to ride," he told <I>Daily Racing Form</I>. "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."

To the applause of fans and family and with a familiar glint in his eye, he returned to ride competitively on June 21 that year. "As long as I don't make over $8,700 it doesn't affect my Social Security," he laughed.

Ryan rode several winners that summer and soon hung up his tack, knowing his grandchildren would now forever remember him as a jockey. "The hardest ride I've had since returning to the saddle is the one past the donut shop every day," he joked.

After his retirement he still was a frequent visitor to River Downs on summer days and could be found in the paddock greeting fans and friends.

Born in Indianapolis, Ryan is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon, four children, and nine grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, at Lindale Baptist Church, Amelia, Ohio. Viewing 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m.