Former Delaware outrider dies

Delaware Park will hold a life celebration Saturday for former track outrider Steve Kisielewski, who died March 4 at age 68.

Kisielewski, a former jockey, was the lead outrider at Delaware Park from 1986 until he retired in 2007. A native of Derry, N.H., he began riding in New England in the 1960s and competed at Narragansett Park, Suffolk Downs, Rockingham Park, Shenandoah Downs, and Green Mountain, among other tracks.

“He was a natural with horses,” said John Mooney, the executive director of racing at Delaware Park. “His abilities as an outrider were incredible, and his dedication and responsibility to his profession were always of the utmost importance. You knew when the unexpected did occur, everyone involved could always count on him.”

Kisielewski is survived by his wife, Pat Kisielewski; three sons, Dean, Guy, and Jesse; six grandchildren; and three sisters.

Saturday’s gathering will be held from 1-3 p.m. Eastern in the New Castle Room.