As reported by the All Stars Website, they needed a backup work driver while Mark was away in Australia and didn't have to look far. Only as far as Yaldhurst where talented horseman, Jonny Cox, was available for hopple mornings at Rolleston. So the former southerner has quickly made the transition to being the driver of Lazarus in his NZ Cup preparation until Mark returns.
"It fits in quite well for me" said Cox a Group One winning driver and one of he most talented to come out of Southland in recent years.
"I've got four or five in work at the moment so I can help out here and still do my team later on. Our best one, Franco Saxon, is out at the moment too so there is not a lot of pressure on the home front team"
Jonny won the Dominion Handicap at long odds with Jacka Justy in 2014 and also trained the gelding in partnership with Amber Hoffman before moving to Canterbury where he is working to get up a good sized team, never an easy task.
While the plan was that he would only be assisting at All Stars during Mark's absence that contract could be extended. Natalie said that all going to plan Jonny would continue to help out after Mark's return.
"On real busy mornings like today (Tuesday) someone of his experience and skill helps the day go more smoothly so I expect that he will be around in the longer term" she said.
Click here to go to the "All Stars Website"
All Stars Website