Thoroughbred Owners of California is pleased to announce 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, Canada. Prior to that he was Executive Director of HBPA (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 over 30,000 horsemen. A finance and accounting major, he holds an honours degree in business administration from York University.

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.

TOC Chairman, Mike Pegram, said, “We are very happy that Nick has 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.”

“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.”