COURTNEY JOHN BOOST FOR ROB MARTIN

New Zealand-bred mare COURTNEY JOHN provided Ballarat and District Trotting Club vice-president ROB MARTIN with an upbeat finish to an emotional week at Melton on Friday night.

Courtney John saluted in the Doreen Seniors M0 Mares’ Pace, 1720m.

Her return to winning form came the day after the funeral of Martin’s father Brian, who was an avid trots fan.

Brian Martin died after a battle with cancer.

Rob Martin races Courtney John in partnership with Eric and Heather Anderson, with the Anderson’s son-in-law Glenn Douglas training the 6yo.

Martin has had a long association with the Andersons and Douglas, notching up many wins.

Courtney John, which rated 1:55.3, arrived in Australia early last year and has now won eight times for the Douglas stable – five of the victories being on her home track at Bendigo.

It was Martin’s second win as an owner in the past few weeks, with Lady Bellissomo scoring in Ballarat on September 26.

Martin also races the Christian Cullen mare in partnership with the Andersons.