Becoming part of a racehorse syndicate started out as “just a bit of fun” for Gunnedah couple Tom and Amber Donoghue last year, but it resulted in a spectacular victory in New Zealand recently.

While Amber was one of 20 owners of two-year-old filly Dream Roca, she and Tom were among at least 30 people in the winner’s circle to savour the moment at the Ellerslie racecourse on January 24.

Trained by Liam Birchley from Queensland, the Ben Thompson-ridden Dream Roca won the TAB Karaka Millions 2yo race (1200m) by a mere 0.2 of a length.

The victor was the second favourite with a starting price of $4.10 while the favourite, astonishingly, finished last in the field of 14.

Just as astonishing was the fact that Magill finished second, after having a starting price of $105 and leading the race before being pipped at the post.

The Donoghues said they became involved in the syndicate through one of their friends, Stephen Kelly, a former Gunnedah-based builder who had connections with a family which had connections with New Zealand Warriors chief Cameron George.

With the Warriors chief also being part of the syndicate, he equated Dream Roca’s victory with winning a National Rugby League (NRL) premiership.

An interest in horseracing also ran in Tom’s and Amber’s families, with Tom’s dad having raced horses in the 1980s and 1990s while Amber’s parents had shares in racehorses.

After winning a trial race at the Sunshine Coast last September, Dream Roca placed second at Eagle Farm in October before winning its next race – also at Eagle Farm – to qualify for the Ellerslie race day on January 24.

“We joined the syndicate to form connections with other owners of the horse, including property owners we know,” Tom said.

“We didn’t do it for a win, or expect to win.”

Although saying he and Amber weren’t in it for financial gain, Tom said the victory was “the most exciting experience” and was “like winning a grand final”.

Amber described it as “absolute elation” after it started out as “just a bit of fun”.

“We had no idea what we were in for,” she said.

“It was a huge gamble.

“We knew if it (Dream Roca) earned a trip to New Zealand, we’d have to go.

“It was great just being there, and the result was just a bonus.”

Tom and Amber said they hoped to attend again next year – if Dream Roca qualified – although the race would be 1600m rather than 1200m.