A large gathering of family and friends attended the funeral of highly respected Melton horseman Mario Azzopardi in Melton on Thursday.
Mario, who sadly passed away on November 22 at age 72, enjoyed great success with horses such as Imathreat (Kilmore and Ballarat Cups), Lady Levity, Sassy Sarah and the trotter Sundons Tiavon, just to name a few.
His driving career included 1198 starts since the dawn of official records, which yielded 163 wins and 276 placings. They included Group 1 wins with Sundons Tiavon in the Dullard Trotters Cup Final and with Sassy Sarah in the 2002 Breeders Crown three-year-old fillies’ final.
He also trained the latter, one of 266 victories he enjoyed as a trainer from 1390 starters according to official records, which extend to 1979-80.
Sassy Sarah was indeed his leading light as a trainer, having also won the 2001 Breeders Crown as a two-year-old, the Vicbred Super Series as a four-year-old and the Ladyship Mile in 2003.
Never one to rush a horse’s preparation, Mario was also renowned as a wonderful horse breaker.
He trained out of Cha Cha Lodge on the Keilor/Melton Highway for a number of years and was for a time foreman for legendary trainer Graeme Lang, as well as having a wonderful association with Gavin Lang and the wider Lang family.
Mario is survived by his devoted wife Annie and a large extended family.
Harness Racing Victoria extends sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
