KYPROS KOTZIKAS 4TH OWNER TO WIN DOUBLE Kypros Kotzikas, one of Christchurch’s most successful businessmen, has achieved a rare feat as a horse owner with victories in the elite races of both New Zealand pacing and trotting. The Cyprus-born United Fisheries founder and chief added the Hellers Dominion Handicap Trot trophy on Show Day, 2013, with Master Lavros, 16 years after winning NZ’s most prestigious pacing race, the 1997 New Zealand Cup as the co-owner, with trainer Bob Cameron, of Iraklis. Kypros, who has been a major invester in racing for 36 years, is the first modern day owner to achieve …
Dominion success for Overport Lodge
MASTER LAVROS TOO GOOD IN HELLERS DOMINION Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones stuck to his game plan and was rewarded with the most sought after trophy in NZ trotting, the $200,000 Hellers Dominion Handicap at Addington on Show day, Friday, November 15, 2013. There was some relief everything went right, as more often than not things can go wrong, but Mark couldn’t fault how things panned out. “Everyone had their chance but on the day the best horse won,” Mark said. “His work last Sunday was as good as we could ever get it,” he said. Mark even allowed himself …
NZ METRO TC – Friday, November 15
NZ METRO TC, Friday, November 15 Race 4: CLASSIEBEE (10, Blair Orange), mob. 2600m: “Its a strong field. If gets a good run and does no work, you never know, he could surprise.” Race 11: MASTER LAVROS (4), 3200m std: “I’m really happy with him. He’s been beginning good so ideally if he steps quick I’d like to let him bowl along in front.” Outside drives Race 1: MY ENTOURAGE (8), mob. 1950m: “It should be a little bit easier for him than the Sires Stakes Heat. Could place.” Race 3: IDLE CONN (3), mob. 1950m: “Went into a break …
ASHBURTON TC – Thursday, November 14
ASHBURTON TC, Thursday, November 14 Race 1: KOWHAI SUNRISE (6), 2400m std: “Was solid at Kaikoura. A chance again with Bonechip the one to beat.” Race 2: IS THIS LOVE (3, Kimberly Butt), mob. 2400m: “Hasn’t had a lot of luck. Gets a good draw so hopefully she can make use of it.” Outside drives Race 4: KOWHAI CREEK (8), 2400m std: “Begins good. Should be a place chance if we can stay handy.” Race 5: CALA (14), mob. 1609m: “She goes alright but not going to be easy from the back row over the mile.” Race 6: CHEYENNE WARRIOR …
OHOKA TEXAS FOR USA
Former Invercargill Cup and Pelorus Trust winner Ohoka Texas has been reluctantly been on-sold out of the Mark Jones stable to race in North America. The six-year-old Christian Cullen entire finished fifth _ 7.6 lengths behind winner Pemberton Shard _ when resuming in the Cromwell Lake Dunstan National Handicap at Addington on August 23.
MARK 2ND IN A.P. SERIES
A last placing in the middle leg of the inaugural Albion Park drivers series on Saturday ultimately cost Overport Lodge horseman Mark Jones the title. The former world drivers champ finished just two points behind Queensand’s Bart Cockburn. Mark began the series on a high, landing the drive behind talented 3YO colt Caesar Augustus in the first Seymour Group Invitation Drivers Championship Heat.
QUICK START TO SEASON
Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones is in the front on the new season trainers premiership after Sage Creek won his maiden at Forbury on Thursday_ Mark’s fourth winner after 15 days of the new term. However, he says he has no thoughts of trying to stay ahead of the bigger stables.
TEAM WON 40 LAST TERM
Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones, despite selling 22 of his team to Australia last term and sending a further six to race there, racked up 40 NZ wins last season. Although unable to match hitting 50 in the previous three seasons, it was a pleasing result considering the number exported.
NORDQVISTS WIN DOUBLE
The weekend ending July 14, 2013, was a good one for former trainer-driver Carl Nordqvist, and accountant wife Wendy, who had their McArdle colts, Rock Till You Drop and Classiebee, both win for the Mark Jones stable.
FORBURY MAIDEN STRIKE
Strike On Command, after a slightly tardy beginning from the stand start, quickly recovered to justify his hot $1.40 win quote, second-up for the Mark Jones stable, at Forbury on June 28. The promising 2YO McArdle colt took a few strides to click into a pace but then had no problems in accounting for the six-horse maiden field.