The Tasmanian harness racing industry lost one of its popular figures on Wednesday when former trainer, driver, committee member and stud master Ken Austin passed away aged 78 after a battle with illness.
Austin tasted success in some of the state’s biggest races, including :
-1974 Tasmanian Pacing Championship with The Pride,
-1984 Tasmanian Oaks with Denise Neptune,
-1990 Tasmanian Oaks with Lady Allora,
-1983 Tasmanian Derby with Smiley Lad.
A fearless competitor on the track, he drove appx. 550, with his first winner being aboard Motivate for trainer Chandler in 1962.
Some of his other feature race wins in the sulky included the 1962 Show Cup, 1971 and 1978 Sires Produce, 1975 Brighton Cup, 1981 Golden Slipper, 1983 Tas Guineas, 1985 St Marys Cup, 1988 Governor’s Cup, 1990 Tas Breeders Plate, 1995 Golden Mile, 1996 Princess of Pace, 1996 New Norfolk Cup, 1996 Princess of Pace, 1997 Premier’s Classic and 2001 Metropolitan Cup.
He was also the state-leading trainer in the 1982/3 season.
In an industry profile piece in 2014, he rated Deemar Karotross, Smiley Lad, Derek’s Glamour and Lea Sands as the best horses he had been associated with.
Austin played a pivotal part in helping many young people cut their teeth in the industry.
Funeral details are yet to be released.
*Written with assistance from the records of Peter Cooley.