Merlin casts a $10,000 spell

Merlin's Magical Win in the Ashburton Flying Stakes on Labour Day led to a $10,000 Windfall for NZ Horse Ambulance Trust.

The NZB Kiwi team conjured a Plan B for the slot holders and their chosen charity partners after the Sarten Memorial race meeting at Te Rapa Racing was abandoned after three races.

Each NZB slot holder randomly drew a runner in the NZB Airfreight Ashburton Flying Stakes Pace and the chance for their charity partner to win a hearty $10,000 donation put up by Entain.

A silent murmur of appreciation emanated from the NZ Horse Ambulance team when the favourite Merlin's name was pulled out of the hat for Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR).

Merlin stormed home down the inside passing lane to claim the prestigious harness race.

L to R: Cameron Rodger (Entain), Justine Sclater, Jo Starr, Michael Godber (NZHAT), Andrew (Butch) Castles (WTR), Dr Tony Parsons (NZHAT)

Thank you to Entain for a fantastic $10,000 donation and the WTR team for embracing the Trust as its charity partner.