The world of horse racing is mourning the loss of one it's own. 

Well known trainer, Rick Violette Jr., passed away over the weekend in his Florida home, after battling lung cancer. He was 65 years old.

Violette had 870 wins during his training career, which began in 1977. He served from 2008 to 2017, as president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.

Violette also led the Jockey Injury Compesnation Fund and advocated for backstretch workers, and thoroughbred after care.

Violette also trained this year's Whitney Stakes Winner, "Diversify." That victory is just one crowning achievement in Violette's long history in Saratoga.

According to an online database, horses trained by him competed at the Saratoga Race Course (also referred to as the Spa) at least as far back as 1991.