“I have always said to myself that I am going to do the Dubai World Cup. When our raffle book arrived in the post and I saw what the first prize was, I told my wife to buy a book and then promptly forgot about it. I had a number of phone calls from friends who had watched the draw on Tellytrack congratulating me on the night of the draw, but it was only when the fundraiser phoned me that it became real,” says a thrilled du Toit.

“This was truly the experience of a lifetime – absolutely fantastic – and so much fun. We teamed up with other South Africans – quite a crowd – and over the five days we were there were able to enjoy the race day and take in other interesting activities, including a desert party.

“The World Cup race day was superb, with VIP treatment all day. We were positioned right in front of the parade ring and it was incredible to see all the international horse racing personalities, both equine and human.”

The 2009 National Horse Trust raffle was the most successful in the Trust’s history, raising much needed funds. The Trust is the national fund raising and coordinating body for the Highveld Horse Care Unit, Eastern Cape Horse Care Unit and the KZN Coastal Unit and is the only equine-dedicated fundraising resource in South Africa.

“We recognised the importance of the work the National Horse Trust and the units it supports,” says Flight Centre’s communications manager, Amanda Hardy. “Being able to contribute to help these working horses – upon which so many communities are dependent for the very basic necessities, like firewood, scrap and water collection, was just one way we could assist the Trust.”

Comments the Trust’s public relations officer, Rebecca Haynes: “We knew when Flight Centre came on board with us that we would have a winning fund raiser. They could not have sponsored a more appropriate prize.

“We must also thank our other sponsors, world-leading sculptor, Wilma Cruise, who donated one of her works of art; the Serengeti Self Catering Accommodation in Cape Town; and Stuttaford Van Lines, who sponsored the runner-up cash prizes and have agreed to do the same for our 2010 raffle. Without the support of each and every one of them, our raffle would not have been possible and we are truly indebted.”

Pierre du Toit from Mt. Edgecombe was the lucky first prize winner of the annual National Horses Trust raffle co-sponsored by Flight Centre. He is pictured alongside with his lovely wife Diane at the richest horse race in the world - the Dubai World Cup