The South Island harness racing community is in mourning after the death of popular Canterbury trainer Mike Austin.
Austin, who was based at West Melton, had held a trainer's licence since 1978. His last last runner to the races was Idle Moose, who ran third at Addington on Friday night.
He died on Saturday, surrounded by his family, after a long brave battle with illness.
The last of Austin's 271 training wins came with Idle Monkey at the Cheviot meeting on March 5.
Austin, best known for his ability with trotters, enjoyed great success over the years with horses like Ado's Invasion, Ranger Globe, Idle Rules, Toomuch To Do and free-legged pacer Nutwood.
Several drivers at Sunday's Rangiora meeting wore black armbands as a mark of respect to Austin.
A large turnout from the racing community is expected to farewell Austin at his funeral service at Westpark Chapel on Thursday.
ASSP