Capital Gain back in winners’ list

A daring ride by jockey Larry Cassidy has helped injury-plagued former Group One star Capital Gain win his first race in 18 months.

Cassidy urged Capital Gain ($4.80) to the lead before the home turn on Saturday and then came away up the long Sunshine Coast straight to beat I Feel Good ($4.60) by a length in the Coastline Open (2400m).

Capital Gain won the 2017 Group One JJ Atkins Stakes (1600m) but has been dogged by injuries since.

Trainer Paul Butterworth said Capital Gain at various times had suffered a fractured pastern, fractured skull and chipped knee joint.

“He really has been in the wars and I am so happy he has come back and won today. If any horse deserves a win it is him,” Butterworth said.

He was the least worried when Cassidy took off on Capital Gain even though the horse had 59kg.

“You have to ride him ugly and Larry got that chance today. Things finally worked out today,” Butterworth said.

Cassidy said Capital Gain was a quality horse who could win in better company.