Mike Stoikopoulos Passes; Arrangements Set

Longtime harness racing industry participant Mike Stoikopoulos of York, Ont. passed away suddenly on Monday (July 19) at the age of 60.

A native of Scarborough, Mike became an owner of Standardbred horses in the late 1970s. Over the years, Mike also worked for The Standardbred magazine, in promotions and publicity for the Ontario Sires Stakes, and even had stints in racetracks management as the general manager of both Orangeville Raceway and Hiawatha Horse Park.

As a trainer, Stoikopoulos won 316 races and campaigned a number of notable performers. The horse many would link to Mike was former North American record holder Mr Brown. That son of Bilateral won 57 races in his career, banked more than $660,000 and set a North American half-mile track record in 2002 with his 1:51.2 win at Flamboro Downs. In recent years, Mike dabbled in thoroughbred racing as well.

Predeceased by his beloved mother, Olga and father Angelo, he will be missed by sister Pamela (Junya), brother Kyril (Andrea), nephews Nathan, Noa, Kai and Kensei, aunts Sia and Keti (Gregory) and countless cousins.

Friends and Family are welcome to attend the viewing and visitation for Mike at the Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1S 1T3, on Saturday July 24, 2021: Viewing: 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Visitation: 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Viewing and Visitation will also take place on Sunday July 25, 2021 from 10 - 11 a.m. Service for invited guests only (due to COVID restrictions) at 11:00 a.m.

The family encourages donations in Mike's honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Mike's friends from both school and horse racing will mourn the absence of his free spirit, charming personality and sense of humour. Mike left us doing what he loved most — racing — and for that the family is truly grateful.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mike Stoikopoulos.