California Owners Group Hires Coukos

Blood-Horse

Thoroughbred Owners of California announced Tuesday, Oct. 20 that Nick Coukos has accepted the position of president.

Coukos is stepping down as vice president racing/corporate affairs at Ajax Downs, a privately owned Quarter Horse racetrack and slot facility near Toronto. Prior to that he was executive director of Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association Ontario and secretary/treasurer for the National HBPA, where he was fiscally and operationally responsible for the well-being of a membership of more than 30,000 horsemen.

Coukos replaces Joe Morris, who will return to racetrack management as senior vice president of West Coast Operations for The Stronach Group effective Nov. 9.

A finance and accounting major, he holds an honors degree in business administration from York University.

TOC chairman Mike Pegram said the TOC is happy Cokos accepted the position.

“With his strong financial acumen, proven track record building relationships with industry stakeholders, and broad understanding of the horse industry, he is well equipped to assure TOC’s continued leadership role in California,” Pegram said.

“I am thrilled to accept the position as TOC president,” said Coukos. “I am looking forward to working on the challenges facing California owners and excited to be part of the ongoing solution.”