Retired Jockey Steve Kisielewski Dies
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Steve Kisielewski, a retired jockey who was the lead outrider at Delaware Park for nearly three decades before retiring in 2007, died March 4 in his home town of Wilmington, Del. He was 68.
Kisielewski, affectionately known as "Kiss," was a native of Derry, N.H., who started his riding career in the early 1960s. He rode at Narragansett Park, Suffolk Downs, Rockingham Park, Shenandoah Downs, and Green Mountain Park among others. Among trainers he rode for were Frank Ketzel, Bobby Lawrence, and Leo Pambianchi.
"He was a natural with horses," said Delaware Park executive director of racing John Mooney, who hired Kisielewski to be an outrider in 1986. "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.
"He approached every aspect of his life in the same fashion. He was an incredible man."
Kisielewski is survived by his wife, Pat Kisielewski, and sons Dean, Guy, and Jesse Kisielewski.
A life celebration will be held from 1-3 p.m. EDT March 21 in the New Castle Room at Delaware Park.