Charles R. (Chuck) Werstler, 86, the longtime trainer for Mary V. Fisher’s Dixiana Stable, died April 5 in Hermitage, Tenn. For many years a resident of Miami Springs, Fla., he retired to the suburb of Nashville.
A native of Ohio who raced regularly in Kentucky, Florida, Illinois, and New Jersey, Werstler trained such outstanding horses as Golden Ruler, Hard Work, Big Band, Red Cross, and Ironworks.
Werstler raced at Keeneland each spring and fall for more than three decades between the 1960s and the 1990s, saddling 57 winners. He sent out Hard Work to win the 1969 Breeders’ Futurity and Ironworks to win the 1981 Fayette Handicap.
Interestingly, Ironworks carried jockey Pat Day to his first of 95 stakes victories at Keeneland.
Mr. Werstler was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley. His survivors include children, Lindalee (David) Buckholts of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., Rob Werstler of Austin, Texas, and several grandchildren.
There will be a memorial service at 7 p.m. April 9 at Bond Memorial Chapel, Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. on April 9.
