Racing is synonymous with stories and the Caddington story is one that will touch many hearts.
That’s how Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club summed up the very special occasion when locally trained filly Caddington won at the club’s first meeting for the 2026-27 racing season last Thursday.
Caddington’s journey is a community-driven tribute to cherished community member and long-time horse enthusiast Nicole Strang who lost her brave nine-year battle with breast cancer about 12 months ago.
The filly trained by Liam Howley is raced by the Team Strang Syndicate, managed by Adin Strang and a close-knit group of family and friends.
Caddington carries a legacy of love, friendship and community, while helping to raise awareness and donate funds to the National Breast Cancer Foundation Australia.
Overall it’s an ongoing team effort to promote the foundation’s vision of zero deaths from breast cancer.
It was an understandably emotional occasion, and the filly leased from Kia Ora Stud served as a moving legacy for Nicole and Adin’s young children, Henry and Evelyn.
Carrington’s only previous start before the Kyneton race produced a close fourth in city company, and her showing in trials had been impressive.
Ridden by Jackson Radley at Kyneton in the Laurel River @ Woodside Park Maiden Plate over 1203m, the filly was an odds-on favourite and after being well positioned in the run, accelerated to win by almost five lengths from Incoherent in 1:11.49.
Radley predicted Carrington would go through the grades really well, and trainer Howley described her as “a really nice filly”.
The trainer was praised for the time he has spent bringing the filly to this stage, and he reflected on how much the galloper meant to everyone.
Kia Ora Stud backs National Breast Cancer Foundation Australia by donating prize money to the cause.
The next race meeting at Kyneton is on Tuesday, October 20, as a lead-up to Kyneton Cup Day on Wednesday, November 4.
