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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Ray reveals his theory on why rank outsider Sammy Lincoln can play a hand in the derby
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 4: Lincoln Linda
6.38pm
“I’m not sure where she’s at. It’s a big drop in class - there’s not much in there - but I don’t think she’ll morph into a star. She was hitting the sulky wheels last time and over-racing but that won’t happen again.”
Race 6: Lincoln Maree
7.36pm
“She paced roughly last time but we’ve done a bit of work on her since so she should be happier this time. It depends on the trip she gets (from four) but she’ll go an honest race. She’s no superstar, but she doesn’t miss many cheques.”
Race 8: Copy N Paste
8.45pm
“He’s dour and tradesman-like but he’s getting there. It’s his first time off the place, and the trip will improve him, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him competitive in what is a very weak field. Sometimes you don’t know what the Bettors Delights have got until they front up at the races but he trialled well and beat a couple who are against him here.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 1: Prince Lincoln
4.53pm
“He actually tried last time. He’s a nice horse but can change his mind quickly. Full blinds woke him up last time so we’ll see if he responds to them again this time.”
Race 3: Omaha Lincoln
5.46pm
“I think he’ll go a good race but it’s his first time at Alexandra Park so I don’t want to talk him up too much. He’s got enough ability to win a race like this, whether he’s ready to do it, we’ll find out. He can get a bit keen at times but I think he’s a chance if he does everything right.”
Race 5: Spiritual Bliss
6.54pm
“It was another great run last time after leading and she’s a good, tough mare who will go another good race. What trip she gets will determine where she finishes. From five, I’m picking she might go back this time but I’ll leave that up to the driver (Harrison Orange).”
Race 6: Sharpe Stride
7.24pm
“He’s a nice trotter, a big strong colt. He can get a bit hot but there’s nothing wrong with how he goes. He’s certainly not good enough to deal with these but he’s there for a run around.”
Race 9: Leo Lincoln
8.57pm
“He’s racing in career-best form and they were struggling for runners so I put him in. He gets a starting fee of $1750 so we won’t go home empty-handed. I’m really happy with him, he’s handling right-handed racing better these days. But he’s racing the bear cats so I’m not suggesting for a second he’ll give them a fright.”
Race 10: Colonel Lincoln
9.25pm
“I thought he went super last time. It was a vast improvement on the previous two starts and you’ve got to remember he was out for a long time. He’s coming to it now and improving all the time. I couldn’t label him but I’d be surprised if he’s not in the first three or four. He’s trained on well and gets a front row draw.”
Race 10: Sugar Ray Lincoln
9.25pm
“He was given too much to do last time - up to park at the bell - and you can’t drive the ears off them every time. With a more conservative trip he’d be right in it.”
