COVID-19 claims former jockey Luis Leon, 90

ARCADIA, Calif. - Former jockey Luis Leon, who went on to work in the jockeys' room as a valet for decades, died Tuesday near San Diego, according to Santa Anita's publicity department, which learned of the death from Leon's son's, David.

Leon was 90. He recently suffered a heart attack, was hospitalized, and died in the hospital of COVID-19, according to the track's press notes.

Leon was a contract rider for Rex Ellsworth in the 1950s and 1960s. As a valet, he worked in the 1980s and 1990s at various times for Eddie Delahoussaye, David Flores, Aaron Gryder, Rafael Meza, Martin Pedroza, and Patrick Valenzuela,

Leon is survived by his wife, Juanita, a daughter, Sylvia, and four sons - Louis Jr., David, Mike, and Victor. Services are pending.