Busy few days for well-known horseman

IT’S been a busy few days for well-known horseman Mario Borg.

Last Friday Borg played another major role in boosting the South Australian breeding industry by securing Swedish-bred stallion Cardigan Boko to stand the upcoming season in SA.

The high class performer was a resident sire at Victorian stud Goodtime Lodge before owners Ian and Judi Slater decided to retire from the industry.

As a trotter, Cardigan Boko will complement pacing sire, Gotta Go Cullect, which Borg sourced from Queensland a few years ago.

Fast forward to yesterday’s Globe Derby meeting and Borg was busy with the racing side of his operation as Harry Ovens scored against open class opposition.

Driven by Gaita Pullicino, the son of Bettors Delight led throughout from barrier two to complete a two-and-a-half metre win from Longfellow, with The Crimson Prince five metres away third.

By rating 1:55.6 over 1800 metres, Harry Ovens registered his third win from his last four starts.

“I was pretty confident with him as he races best when leading and he was drawn to find the front,” Borg said. “Once he got to the lead, Gaita rated him to perfection.”

As for his latest acquisition, Cardigan Boko will stand for $1800 including GST.

“We are very excited to have Cardigan Boko standing with us at Bellmoure Park in the 2023 breeding season,” Borg said. “Not only does he have fantastic breeding and an impressive racing record, he is a magnificent looking individual.

“With all his attributes there is no doubt he can attract a good book of mares and produce some terrific foals.

“I, and local breeders, really have to give a big thanks to Paul Courts as he not only helped me get Cardigan Boko here, he was also instrumental in getting Gotta Go Cullect to South Australia as well.”

A son of Varenne, Cardigan Boko overcame several major issues during his career – in fact, one incident should have ended the squaregaiter’s racing days before they began!

When being loaded onto a plane bound for Australia, Cardigan Boko broke a vertebrae as a result of a freak accident.

Cardigan Boko was then hampered by a series of mishaps, including a cracked pastern and a twisted bowel.

Despite his ongoing back troubles from the vertebrae, Cardigan Boko registered 22 wins and five seconds from 38 starts, with his victories including five track records.

• HRSA Media