Copy That throws scare into the camp with surprise lie-down before the big race

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.”