MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JOCKEY JUSTIN VITEK

Mar 9th, 10
A memorial service has been scheduled for jockey Justin Vitek who succumbed to leukemia on January 28, 2010 in Houston, TX. The service will take place in the Racing Club at Turfway Park following the races on Saturday, March 13th. Racetrack chaplains Ken Boehm and Tom Farley will be presiding. Pat Day will be saying a prayer in Justin's honor.

Justin's last win was aboard multiple stakes winner TIMELESS FASHION.  The gelding will be running in the Tejano Run Stakes at Turfway Park on the 13th with jockey James Lopez aboard.  If he succeeds, owners Judy Miller and Bob Liedel, trainer Tom Drury and Lopez will be donating 10% of their winnings to the Bree Vitek Education Trust Fund.  Bree is Justin's six year old daughter and only child.  "It's just our way of giving a little back to the guy who gave us everything he had, every time," says Miller, an owner and friend who Justin rode for regularly. 

Florence mayor Diane Whalen and KY State Senator Damon Thayer have both made official proclamations that the 13th be dubbed, "Justin John Vitek Day" in the city of Florence and in the KY State Senate.

All friends and family of Justin are invited to attend the service.  In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to The Bree Vitek Education Trust 7601 Rialto Blvd. #1717 Austin, TX 78735 or The Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund P.O. Box 18470 Encino, CA 91416