The Ballarat harness racing community has joined the industry internationally in mourning the death of legendary reinsman Gavin Lang.
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Lang, who spent a large part of his life and career based near Melton, died on Friday after a lengthy battle with illness.
The 61-year-old was diagnosed rare type of lymphoma last year.
He will always have a special place in Ballarat and District Trotting Club history, having driven two Ballarat Pacing Cup winners.
Lang saluted on Robin Hood for Ballarat trainer Peter Tonkin in 2006 and with Restrepo for Emma Stewart in 2014.
Lang won numerous group 1 and other feature races for the two Ballarat stables.
He rarely missed having driving engagements at Ballarat race meetings.
BDTC chief executive officer Paul Rowse said Lang was well respected by all sectors of the industry - his peers and racing fans alike.
He said Lang was particularly kind with his time when it came to fund-raisers at Bray Raceway, being prepared to share his insights with a variety of gatherings.
Known as "Group 1 Gav", Lang drove 6303 winners, second only in the sport to Chris Alford.
His drives earned almost $50 million in stakes for more than 30,000 engagements.
Some of his biggest wins included the 2007 Victoria Cup with Robin Hood, two Inter Dominion Trotting Championships and an extraordinary list of features including Breeders Crown, Chariots Of Fire, Australian Pacing Gold and Vicbred Super Series triumphs.
