Donald Barr

Donald Barr, 85, of New Market, Maryland, passed away on August 2, 2026, following a battle with leukemia.

Although Don made Maryland his home for many years, his roots remained firmly in New England. He grew up in Westborough, Massachusetts, the son of Ormond Taylor Barr and Dorothy Molt Barr, and graduated from Westborough High School in 1958. Throughout his life Don maintained a deep affection for Westborough and returned often, keeping close friendships that endured for decades

Don devoted much of his life to horses and thoroughbred racing. An accomplished trainer, he began working with horses in South Carolina before eventually settling in Maryland, where he lived at Gray Swan Farm in New Market and trained horses at Laurel Race Track. He was particularly known for his ability and patience with developing young horses. As Don liked to say, “bringing young horses along is what I do”

His remarkable career spanned six decades. during which his runners recorded 847 wins. His most successful year came in 1997, when his horses visited the winner’s circle 49 times. Among the horses he trained perhaps the best known was multiple graded stakes winner Ravalo who won 18 races and earned more than $1.3 million, with Don serving as his trainer for all but one of those victories

Don’s commitment to Maryland racing extended well beyond the track. He served on the boards of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, the Maryland Horseman’s Assistance Fund, and the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. He was a dedicated advocate for Maryland’s breeding and racing industry, working to improve opportunities for horsemen and strengthen the Maryland-bred racing program.

As proud as Don was of his career, his greatest love was his family. He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Patty Lang and her husband Chris: his son, Donald Barr. Jr., and his wife Denise, his grandchildren, Samantha and Christopher; and his great grandson Levi. He also leaves behind his loving companion, Judy Conlan of Bath. Maine.

Those who knew Don will remember not only the accomplished horseman but also the loyal friend and devoted father and Grandfather behind the racing statistics.

He remained connected to the people and places that mattered to him throughout his life, from the Maryland horse-racing community he called home to the lifelong friendships and New England roots he never left behind.

His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 10 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main Street, Westborough. Massachusetts. 

A gathering of family and friends will follow at The Central House in Westborough.