By MICHAEL GUERIN
Training great Robert Cameron is returning home.
In a move that has stunned the Victorian harness racing industry, Cameron will return to Canterbury next month to resume his partnership with big-spending owner Kypros Kotzikas.
"I've been made an offer I simply can't say no to," said Cameron yesterday.
Five years ago the Cameron-Kotzikas combination was one of the most feared in harness racing.
The Greek millionaire outlaid huge sums at the yearling sales and Cameron recouped much of it with his successes.
The pair climbed New Zealand harness racing's Mt Everest in 1998 when Iraklis won the New Zealand Cup, a season after the stallion won the Miracle Mile in track record time.
They also tasted great success with group winners Anvil's Star, Anvil Vance and dual Derby winner Lavros Star.
Cameron, a former world driving champion and one of the first reinsmen to drive 1000 winners in New Zealand, surprised many by moving from palatial Lavros Lodge in Canterbury to Victoria in 1999.
Since then the 63-year-old has trained 172 winners and has been one of the stars of the Australian training ranks but he says it is now time to come home.
"Making the decision to come home was a very tough one but I have got to the stage in my career where I need to work out what I am going to do over the next five years or so," he said.
The relationship between Cameron and Kotzikas became strained during Cameron's time in Victoria, so their new partnership will surprise many harness racing industry insiders.
Cameron expects to be back training from Lavros Lodge by the end of next month.
"I have spent much of my life training in the South Island and I am looking forward to getting back there and catching up with so many old friends."
The move further strengthens the Canterbury training ranks after Mark Purdon moved there from Auckland in May.
* Former New Zealand glamour filly Tupelo Rose has beaten the best mare in the United States. She paced a 1:51.4 mile to beat dual Breeders Crown and Jugette winner Eternal Camnation in a $US16,000 race at The Red Mile on Wednesday.
Racing: Cameron heading home to train Kotzikas team
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