Mark Austin Passes; Arrangements Set

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Mark Austin, one of Ontario's most popular and successful trainers, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the age of 54.

Hailing from South-Western Ontario, Austin was introduced to harness racing by his uncle, Bud, and got into the sport full-time after high school. One of his earliest brushes with greatness came courtesy Oldcastle, Ontario's Dr. Joe Johnston, who gave Austin a yearling to break in 1988. That homebred Worthy Bowl colt would later be turned over to trainer Bud Fritz, and go on to never lose a race on North American soil: A Worthy Lad.

Austin would later work for trainer Jack Darling in the mid- to late 1990s during a run that produced the likes of Gothic Dream and Northern Luck. Shortly after that stretch working with Darling, Austin made the move with wife Julie from a Windsor-based stable to the Fergus area.

During the 2000s Austin's stable was consistent and solid; his earnings never dipped below $200,000. In 2009 his earnings surpassed $800,000 thanks to the likes of older pacers Go Get Her, Part Shark and XLB Patrick.

The two horses that more recently made headlines for Austin were Sparky Mark and Fool Me Once. Sparky Mark enjoyed a stellar run at Woodbine's top class from the end of 2011 into 2013, winning multiple Preferred events and earnings a spot in the 2012 Canadian Pacing Derby final.

Fool Me Once was one of 2013's top three-year-old pacers, knocking heads with the likes of Captaintreacherous, Vegas Vacation and Sunshine Beach throughout the season. Austin selected the son of Art Major as a yearling, and he's won 16 races from 38 starts at the highest levels with multiple sub-1:49 wins. His lifetime best 1:48.1 came in his 2013 Pepsi North America Cup elimination.


(L-R: Dan Smith, Julie Austin, Fool Me Once, Mark Austin, Paige Austin, Sylvain Filion, Paula Austin.
Photo credit, New Image Media)

Mark was racing horses on Sunday at Flamboro Downs, where he passed away.

"It's just devastating," Darling told Trot Insider on Monday morning. "We've been friends for years...Mark was a hard worker who loved the business."

Mark will be tremendously missed by the love of his life Julie Ann (Davis) and his loving daughters Paige and Paula and daughter Marcie. Beloved son of Thomas E. and Aileen Austin and loving brother of Tim (Debbie), Perry and Kelly Klinard (Dan). Lovingly remembered by his mother in law Rose Davis, brother-in-law Stephen and his wife Cynthia and very special uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home & Chapel, 280 St. David St. South, Fergus on Wednesday, September 17 from 3 to 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 760 St. David St. North, Fergus on Thursday, September 18 at 11 a.m. Interment at St. Joseph - St. Mary Catholic Church in Elora. Memorial donations can be directed to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Those wishing to make online condolences can do so by clicking here.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mark Austin.

Comments

Our deepest sympathies to the Austin family during this very sad time..
Barb Lehman, Secret Weapon Stables and Wayne Preszcator

My deepest sympathy to the family of Mark, met him in my Windsor days. Always a gentlemen and a avid horsemen, and good golfer. God bless you and your family on these tough days, we all going to miss you
Norman Dessureault

Windsor Raceway - Wednesday Afternoon Golf - They were great days for all of us. We all have great memories of Mark. Our thoughts and prayers are with Julie and the girls. We are so sorry for your loss. Wish we had made the trip to play with him one more time. We will miss you, Mark.
Jim and Jan Riley

We are in Shock! How sad it was to hear about Mark. The nicest guy, always willing to give a hand. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Julie and the girls.
Walter & Fran Faroni

We are so saddened and shocked to hear of Mark's passing. Both of us thought so much of Mark and his lovely family. We offer our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to Julie, Paige and Paula. Rest in peace Mark.
Pat & Stu Bolender.

With deepest sympathy to the Austin family. God bless.
Albina and Anthony Montini

Sending our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the Austin family during this difficult time. Tara Hills Stud Ltd.

I was shocked when I got the phone call last night. Had a lot of fun with Mark over the years. To Julie and the girls, and the rest of the Austin family, you have my deepest sympathy.

Ferd

Our Deepest Sympathy to Julie and the girls during this devastating time. Always will remember Mark as always saying hello and having a smile for us whenever our paths crossed. STAY STRONG. STAY WELL.
Darryl & Patricia Newbigging

This is indeed very sad news. Mark was not only an excellent trainer and horseman, but a true gentleman, well respected by his peers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Julie and the girls at this time of sorrow. RIP Mark!
Merlyn & Carolyn Rae

This was such a shock reading about this last night!!! Mark was such a nice guy would always speak no matter where. Our thoughts go to Julie & the girls & the rest of his family. RIP Mark. Jim Proctor & Deb Richardson

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