Orphan a winner on family day

By STEVE SPINKS

CAPILANO Road, the orphan horse, broke through for its maiden racing victory at the Lismore Turf Club's Family Christmas Race Day on Saturday.

Capilano Road stormed home to win the Coopers Shoot Orchards Maiden Handicap (1100m) by four-and-a-half lengths from Knowline and Kokkinos at only its third start.

Better known by the stable name Saleyards, Capilano Road was the horse that broke Northern Rivers hearts three years ago.

The chestnut gelding's dam died soon after she foaled, leaving Saleyards in desperate trouble.

Owner and local stock and station agent Kevin Cocciola appealed to the public for a mare that was lactating.

Remarkably, his prayers were answered.

Coincidentally, another mare had just foaled, but unfortunately the foal had died.

Saleyards was taken to the mare who took to it and fostered him.

Fast forward three years and Saleyards is on his way as a racehorse.

Already he has picked up a third.

But the breakthrough win in the maiden on Saturday was special for the owners ? Cocciola, Gil Crawford and John Anderson ? all of whom work at Lismore's saleyards.

Last season's Northern Rivers jockey premiership winner, Ballina's Darron Coleman, who has ridden Capilano Road on each of its three starts, including Saturday's win, rates the gelding highly.

He has told the owners that although Saleyards is green, 'he's going to be good'.