Carlton vice-captain Kade Simpson brought a touch of racing luck to Down Syndrome Victoria on Sunday, after selecting a horse to represent the organisation in the Charity Race Day at Caulfield.
He drew the Darren Weir trained Trust in a Gust to race for DSV in the Group 1 Charity Cup.
The four-year-old, ridden by jockey Damien Lane, turned out to have somewhat of an omen title.
In windy conditions Trust in a Gust passed the post first, and in doing so won $20,000 for Down Syndrome Victoria.
DSV Executive Officer Sue O’Riley said the money will greatly assist DSV in continuing its work to support families.
“The opportunity for DSV to be involved in the Charity Race Day, and for those with Down syndrome and their families to feel valued and part of the race day, was such a positive,” O’Riley said.
“Thank you to Melbourne Racing Club for giving us and the other worthwhile charities an event to promote our valuable work and to win the inaugural Charity Race is such an amazing result."
Meanwhile DSV's Fundraising Manager Bradley Thomas thanked Simpson for making such a good selection in his capacity as a DSV ambassador.
“We’re very proud of the work Kade and the Carlton Football Club do to promote and fundraise for Down Syndrome Victoria and this pick will be Kade’s greatest of the Spring Racing Carnival,” Thomas said.
Down Syndrome Victoria was one of 18 charities involved in the inaugural Charity Cup Race Day.