Bill Marko, who won a Sovereign Award as Canada’s champion trainer in 1982 and 1983, passed away on Saturday afternoon.
Marko, who led Woodbine trainers with 11 stakes wins in 1981 and eight stakes wins in 1982, had over 500 career victories, including 48 stakes scores.
He was the trainer and part owner of Frost King, Canada’s Horse of the Year in 1982, and also developed 1981 Horse of the Year, Deputy Minister, before the colt was sold. The latter was also champion two-year-old male in both Canada and North America in 1981.
Both horses are in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Other notable Marko trainees included Fraud Squad, a Sovereign-winning sprinter, Prince Avatar, Fighting Champ and Sir Khaled.
Marko, who took out his trainer’s licence in 1976, was born September 28, 1937.
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