Ruane, rider, dead at 69

John Ruane, the winner of many of New York's major handicap stakes during a 32-year riding career, died Sunday at age 69.

Ruane passed away at a hospital in Somers Point, N.J., from pulmonary complications, according to his son, James.

Ruane started riding in 1957 and built an impressive resume of New York stakes victories. He won the 1958 Brooklyn and Whitney handicaps with Cohoes, the 1960 Man o' War with Harmonizing, the 1971 Met Mile with Tunex, the 1971 Vosburgh with Duck Dance, and the 1971 Suburban Handicap with Twice Worthy.

Ruane was also aboard for Twice Worthy's win in the 1970 Monmouth Invitational, now known as the Haskell Invitational.

Ruane was a top stable rider for many years for Hall of Fame trainers Allen Jerkens and Jonathan Sheppard.

Viewing was scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Godfrey Funeral Home in Ocean City, N.J. The funeral service is to be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Augustine's Church in Ocean City.

In addition to his son, Ruane is survived by a daughter, Melanie.