Timothy Snyder, a trainer based at Finger Lakes Race Track and the owner of stakes winner Lisa's Booby Trap, died March 24 at his home near Camillus, N.Y., according to a Democrat & Chronicle obituary. He was 59 years old.
The report did not indicate a cause of death.
Snyder campaigned Lisa's Booby Trap, a $4,500 purchase in 2010, to a 10-2-3 record for earnings of $182,440. The Florida-bred Drewman filly was blind in her left eye, had a left front club foot, and was flat-footed in her right front, yet managed to win the 2010 Loudonville Stakes at Saratoga Race Course by six lengths.
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The filly, named after Snyder's late wife, Lisa, was the subject of a book by Joe Layden published in 2013—The Ghost Horse, a true story of love, death, and redemption. She also drew national media attention as the subject of a Dateline NBC feature, and was covered by prominent outlets like the New York Times.
According to the Democrat & Chronicle, Snyder was born in Portland, Maine and also enjoyed photography. He spent parts of his life in New Hampshire, Florida, Newport Beach, Calif., and the Syracuse area.
Snyder is survived by daughters Sierra Chidester and Ashley Serino, his sister Cheryl Hall, and brothers Edward and Daniel, along with three grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
"I'm writing this post today with a heavy heart," Chidester wrote on the Facebook fan page for Lisa's Booby Trap. "My dad, Tim Snyder, passed away yesterday morning in the comfort of his home, with Cheryl and I by his side, holding hands while he took his last breaths. I am happy that he is with Lisa, and sad because we will miss him so much.
"Lisa's Booby Trap took him on a wonderful journey, that besides Lisa, was the highlight of his life. We are so grateful to everyone and all of the wonderful support he has had over the years. He will be laid to rest at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Camillus, N.Y. with his wife in her grave (March 26)."
No calling hours or services are planned according to the Buranich Funeral Home, the Democrat & Chronicle reported.
