Jockey Weldon Cloninger Jr has died
 

Weldon had four victories this meet at Presque Isle Downs, but he just lost his most recent bout with Cancer.

I got to see Weldon regularly this year, because he was one of the few jockeys who would come and represent himself at the draw.

I was amazed to learn that he was driving 2+ hours everyday between his home and the track. Even without being sick, imagine getting up and driving for over two hours, working on horses in the morning, waiting around until after 1PM during the post draw. Staying to ride races, and jumping in a truck and riding back home.

Weldon would complain whenever the racing office would card a race he was riding in as the finale, but that was pretty much all he ever complained about. A no-nonsense guy who had been showing up with regularity into the month of July.

I believe he won his final race on July 1st aboard Red Hot Quest.

http://www.equibase.com/premium/char...15&cy=USA&rn=5

The Equibase comment simply reads: "Strong ride"

A veteran jockey, Weldon had won over 1,500 in his career. He won at a 21% clip with his mounts in 2010.

I'm sorry to hear about his death. He always rode to win, it didn't matter if he was on a fav or the longest shot on the board. He was a true ambassador of the sport.

Strong ride......i hope they put it on his tombstone. My condolences to his family and friends. Utmost respect.

F*ck cancer.

Condolences to his family and friends.

Here's a nice article about him from 2007, coming back from injuries:

http://blog.cleveland.com/earlyediti...uries_for.html

That is a shame. Cloninger rode some nice John Franks-owned horses for Bobby Barnett on the FG/OP/LaD circuit in the 1990s, including JJ's Dream and Mr. Cooperative. Among his major wins for Barnett was aboard Halo American in the 1995 Oaklawn Breeders Cup when he beat Heavenly Prize. He got the return call in the Apple Blossom, when Heavenly Prize turned the tables on Halo America.

Very sad. Thanks Doug for letting everyone know. A real hardscrabble race rider. Rode Rapid Redux in a Thistledown start during the streak. Will pay respects on air.

Condolences to famliy and friends....Rest in Peace Champ

Very sad news..He fought hard and went out a winner doing what he loves..RIP