The late trainer Mark Austin was honoured on Sunday (June 18) at Dresden Raceway and enshrined into Dresden Raceway’s Hall of Fame.

Austin started his career in Dresden in the 1980’s and that is where he broke one of the best trotters of all time in Canada, A Worthy Lad,for Joe Johnston. Austin then moved to Windsor where he worked with Jack Darling and had a hand with champions such as Gothic Dream and Northern Luck.

He then moved his stable to Fergus where he was the conditioner for many top horses in Canada such as Go Get Her, Park Shark, XLB Patrick, Sparky Mark and Fool Me Once.

Austin was more than just a trainer as friendships he kindled at Dresden lasted with him his entire life.

Austins’s widow Julie was in attendance on Sunday at Dresden to receive the plaque and say a few words about the honour of being bestowed into Dresden Raceway’s Hall of Fame. Austin’s parents, family and daughters Paige and Paula were also on hand for the awards ceremony.

On the track, Garrett Rooney was the big gun on the day as he scored four winners. Rooney visited the winner’s circle with Burning Memoria, Campassion, Beer And A Haircut, and Singhampton Kenny. Rooney now has 10 wins on the year and is the leading dash winner.

GD Cruise For Gold stayed hot at Dresden winning his fourth in a row for owner, trainer and driver Donnie Rankin. The three-year-old Althatgltrsisgold gelding went wire-to-wire in 2:01.1.

About 700 people bet a total handle of $23,591 that included the first week of having off track wagering which accounted for almost $2,000 into the live pool.

To view Sunday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Sunday Results - Dresden Raceway.

(With files from Dresden Raceway)