Perrodin succumbs to cancer at age 55

E.J. Perrodin, a jockey for 39 years who was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after retiring in February, died on Sunday morning, confirmed his brother-in-law, trainer Patrick Mouton. Perrodin was 55.

Mouton said Sunday morning that the family has not yet set a time for services. Perrodin died at his home in Haughton, La.

Perrodin retired during the Fair Grounds meet, and a short period of time later learned he had a significant tumor in his lung. The cancer was advanced, and it also spread to his brain. He battled courageously, and in May even made an appearance at Louisiana Downs, located minutes from his home in Haughton, La., to receive a lifetime achievement award.