Yonkers, NY – The Harness racing community lost one of its beloved members on Sunday June 28th with the sudden passing of Don Sider at the age of 77. Don was a fixture at Yonkers Raceway for over 40 years and was a well-respected trainer.
Don was known as “Donnie” or “Raley” by some of his oldest friends. He was not one for fanfare, but will be remembered for his hard work and easy going ways. Sider once said, “I never had to work a day in my life” that’s because he was able to do what he loved best.
Born and raised in Ridgeway, Ontario he chose to follow in the family footsteps of his four uncles, William (Bud), George, John (Guy) and Lloyd Gilmour. He started his career right out of high school and raced at Garden City and Windsor Raceway before venturing to Edmonton with Wayne Langille, Ray Remmen, Larry Remmen, John Reid and Frank Conlin. When he decided to put down some roots he settled in New York and trained at Roosevelt, Meadowlands and Yonkers. For many years Don could be found at the top of the trainer standings, but in 1981 he found himself top trainer at Yonkers where he trained Miller Scout, League Leader and a magnitude of other trotters and pacers. Don spent his final years before retiring at Yonkers where he stabled and trained many a horse for Steven Finkelstein (Jesmeral Stables).
In 1979 he traveled to California with a small stable of horses and two of those being Impeller and Rip Loose that he owned himself. In 1985, Don had the opportunity to drive Birmingham Hanover in the Little Brown Jug.
Don was a long standing member of the USTA, Canadian Trotting Association, Yonkers Raceway and numerous other tracks. One of his last biggest honors was being asked to be Brett Gilmour (Lloyds youngest son) best man at his wedding last year. Don was the oldest grandson and Brett the youngest of the Gilmour clan.
Don was preceded by the recent passing of his wife Lynn of 53 years and his parents Alvin & Phyllis Sider. Don is survived by his siblings, Bill Sider, Luanne (John) Brundo, along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, cousins and many friends.
As per Don’s wishes there will be no visitation and a private burial.