Sad news struck the Western New York circuit with the passing of 35-year-old harness driver Daniel Dylo.
The popular reinsman fittingly won his last race driving his top trotting mare, Vicky Winner.
Dylo burst onto the Western N.Y. circuit in 1999, winning 40 races. His best year came in 2011 when he guided 47 winners and his drives earned $233,841. Throughout his career he won 209 races and had purse earnings of $609,059.
He is the son of longtime Western New York horseman and current Buffalo Raceway track superintendent Dave Dylo. His brothers Dennis and Dave Jr. are also in the involved in harness racing.
“Hearing of Danny’s passing was a shock to the entire Western New York harness racing community,” Todd Haight, general manager of Batavia Downs, said. “Not only was he a great kid but he more than held his own on the racetrack. There is no doubt he’ll be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Dylo family.”
Dan Dylo was the son of David D. and Kathleen E. (nee Bailey) Dylo; devoted brother of David, Jr. and Dennis Dylo; loving boyfriend of Roxanne Shaw; dear grandson of the late Walter and Emily Dylo and the late Howard and Ellen Bailey; and was also survived by relatives and many friends.
Relatives and friends may visit the Lombardo Funeral Home Southtowns Chapel, 3060 Abbott Rd in Orchard Park, on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. where the funeral will be held on Monday at 8:30 a.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church at 9:30 a.m. Online condolences can be offered at lombardofuneralhome.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Dan Dylo.
(Batavia)