jockey Allison Hines has passed away at his home at the age of 59.

JOSHUA, TX—MAY 15, 2015—Former jockey Allison Hines has passed away at his home at the age of 59.

In 1972, at the age of 16, Hines took out his license to become a jockey. He worked or rode at the racetracks throughout Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New York, Kentucky, South Dakota, Arizona, Nebraska, and eventually Texas.

Hines continued his career as a jockey until he sustained serious injuries on the track that forced him to retire. At the time of retirement, he continued his work on the racetrack, serving in many different capacities throughout the United States until landing at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. One of his biggest thrills in racing was as a valet when he saddled Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide at Lone Star Park for the 2004 Grade 1 Breeders Cup Classic.

Hines was diagnosed with ALS (also know as Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and was forced to bring his working days on the racetrack to a halt with the onset of the disease.

Alison leaves behind a wife Lisa; daughters Katy, and McKenna; and two grandsons Charles and Renick; brother Larry Hines; and his loving parents. The parents of Alison Hines are offering a bonus to the leading rider of the Miles City, Montana meet in remembrance of their son. Both Alison and younger brother Larry began their riding careers at Miles City.