Cup winning driver Blair Orange shares a special moment with son Harrison and daughter Lily. PHOTO: Ajay Berry/Race Images.
Copy That throws scare into the camp with surprise lie-down before the big race
By Barry Lichter • 10 November 2021
Having his family at the races to share in Copy That’s IRT New Zealand Cup triumph was a special thrill for champion driver Blair Orange but he could have done without the scare the horse threw into the camp before the race.
Not wanting to take any chances with the entire in the waiting time before the big Addington race, Copy That was put into a box, rather than an open stall.
And for much of the time Orange’s children Harrison, 14, and Lily, 11, stood with him, patting, kissing and cuddling him.
But when the kids were not there, and the staff went to the smoko room just 15 metres away, the unthinkable happened.
“They looked over and couldn’t see his head and, thinking he must have become cast, went running over,” Orange said.
“When they got there they found he was lying down, asleep. That’s really unusual at the races, especially for a colt, and it certainly put the shits up everyone.
“Our staff had been on tenterhooks, and had wrapped him in cotton wool since he arrived, making sure they did everything right, especially with someone else’s horse.”
Copy That is more prone to kicking out in his stall at Alexandra Park and yelling out at any other horse that comes within range, so having a lie-down was quite out of character.
“It was incredible to see how much he loved the attention from the kids and it was a special moment for me to have them there and standing with him.”
Orange with daughter Lily and the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup trophy. PHOTO: Ajay Berry/Race Images.The Orange children, not surprisingly, are heavily into horses themselves, Harrison spending every possible moment away from school helping out Woodend Beach trainer John Dunn.
“Harrison has been out at the beach all week and I love it that he’s there because Johnny is a great teacher. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t get into harness racing.
“Lily is going really well too, she’s into riding, rodeos, barrel racing, show jumping and dressage.”
Orange credited another youngster for playing a special part in getting Copy That to the cup in prime condition, Ken Barron’s stable junior Sam Payne, son of trainer Greg Payne.
“Sam does such a great job working for us. He’s been driving Copy That since he arrived and I had faith in him. That’s a big thing for a young fella in his early 20s. When I was a kid I remember how special it was to handle a really good horse.”
When Orange finally did get in the cart, on raceday, he too, played his part to a tee.
“Everything worked out perfectly - everything that needed to happen did - and he won quite nicely.”
Orange even allowed himself a rare victory salute as Copy That raced two and half lengths clear.
“Wins like that don’t come round every day. It’s hard enough getting a drive in the cup, let alone a winning chance.”
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Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Major Achievement
5.19pm
“It’s his first race for a while and he hasn’t been setting the world on fire at the workouts. But he’s been racing better animals and this isn’t a stellar bunch. He’s a chance if things go his way. I’ve given Mathew Salaivao the drive.”
Race 1: Commander Lincoln
5.19pm
“He’s an average horse but the last time he raced here in amateur company he all but won. He’ll need luck from the second row but, while I couldn’t label him, he’s a runner’s chance.”
Race 5: Onyx Shard
6.59pm
“She got a bit sick for a while with a virus and I had to back off her. She seems over that now but I’m picking she’ll need a race. This will be like a glorified trial for her.”
Race 8: My Copy
8.14pm
“He came to the end of it so I gave him a little freshen-up and he seems in good shape again. It will be interesting to see how he goes fresh - he may need a race but he’ll appreciate the step-down in class. I’m running him here so he doesn’t come up against any bear cats first-up.”
Race 9: Lincoln Cove
8.47pm
“Hopefully he’s getting better but you’ve just got to take him on trust. He has ability but the desire has been sadly lacking. Zac will have to sit quietly on him as he broke when given only one tap with the stick last time. The small field will suit him as he won’t be too far off them. If he doesn’t make any mistakes, he’ll give them a fright.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Leo Lincoln
6.43pm
“Maurice said he would have finished a lot closer last time than sixth (fourth or even third) had he not locked wheels at the 100. That took all his momentum away. He’s been holding his form well and he gets out well enough to use the inside draw. He’s a chance to get some of the money.”
Race 5: Sugar Ray Lincoln
7.39pm
“He did have marks on his boot after his last run and trying a spreader on him has helped. But he’s a real baby. He has real ability but he’s still developing mentally and physically and we’re still finding our way with him.”
Race 5: Lincoln Lou
7.39pm
“He’s racing well but he’ll find it tough from the outside draw.”
Race 6: Debbie Lincoln
8.07pm
“I can’t see her improving enough to give the Purdon/Phelan trio a fright. She can go (fast) enough but still has a lot to learn. The main thing for her is getting round safely. She’s put two in a row now so hopefully she’ll start improving.”
Race 10: Lincoln La Moose
9.59pm
“He had an excuse last time - he got wiped out on the first corner and that was the end of his race. I like him, he’s a nice horse, just not quite as experienced as Frisco Bay.”
Race 10: Frisco Bay
9.59pm
“I lean towards Frisky as the better chance of our two. You can’t fault what he did the other night at Cambridge, and he seems to be on the improve. He’s more reliable than Lincoln La Moose.”
Mark Dux’s comments
Saturday night at Albion Park
Race 6: Captain Nemo
9.40pm NZ time
“I rate him a good top three chance. I’m really happy with the horse. It’s a decent drop in grade for him and I think maybe we roll the dice, go forward, and take our chances. As long as he doesn’t have to burn stupidly off the gate, if he can find the top, they’ll know he’s in the race.”
