Jockey Steve Neff dies

Jockey Steve Neff, who rode 3,685 winners while competing primarily in Ohio and Kentucky, died June 28 from complications of emphysema and dementia, according to a Belterra Park release.

Neff was the leading jockey at River Downs (now Belterra) and Latonia (now Turfway Park) on numerous occasions from the late 1970s through the mid-1980s. His win total is 97th all-time among North American riders, according to Equibase. Neff worked for Comair at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport after retiring from the saddle in 1995.

Neff rode in the inaugural Breeders’ Cup in 1984 at Hollywood Park, finishing 10th in the Mile aboard Smart and Sharp. His final stakes victory came in 1992 at Thistledown.

According to his daughter, Neff was cremated and a memorial service was to be held in Pennsylvania.