‘Mind-blowing’ is the only way Danny Farrell could describe his past few days since being selected as a slot holder in the $2 million The Kosciuszko, which will be run and won at Royal Randwick on Saturday 17 October.

The world’s richest race for country-trained horses is a sweepstakes model, where tickets cost $5 via the TAB, and on Monday, the 14 winners were announced, with Farrell one of those lucky few.

For just a $5 investment via his TAB app, Farrell will now have a chance to win his share of the $2 million prize pool after selecting Dubbo galloper, Gallant Star, trained by popular country trainer, Brett Robb.

The 7YO Zoustar gelding is a six-time winner and in 2025 finished second in the same race, beaten only by the Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich-trained Clear Thinking.

“It’s been mind-blowing the last two days; a nightmare but a good nightmare,” Farrell laughed.

“The phone’s been ringing from everywhere, and I rang four or five trainers but the boys, including Scott Kennedy and Damien Hall at Racing NSW, were a really good help throughout the process.”

Gallant Star is owned by former Australian cricketer and popular Fox Sports commentator, Kerry O’Keeffe and David Ringland.

Funnily enough, Farrell had been planning a trip to Dubbo for the upcoming Dubbo Cup meeting on 27 September, which has quickly turned into a big weekend where he will meet and greet with Robb, Ringland, and Gallant Star.

“I get to see him in two weeks as me and my mate were already going to the Dubbo Cup, but now, David is going to get us into the marquee and Brett wants us to come along to the calcutta with him,” Farrell said.

The Kosciuszko will be run on the same program as the world’s richest turf race, the $20 million TAB Everest, and with Farrell planning a big weekend in Sydney, there’s one thing he’s certainly looking forward to.

“How good is it going to be to have a beer with Skull (O’Keeffe),” Farrell laughed.

“He sounds like a good bloke, and I’ve had some beers with some notable people, but he’ll be good to have one with and I’ve been known to enjoy more than one.

“Right now, we are working it all out. My niece lives in West Pennant Hills, so we’ll be staying there, and they have given me ten tickets, so there will be a good group of us there.”

Connections of Gallant Star have looked after Farrell, and if the Dubbo horse can win The Kosciuszko, a good old-fashioned coin flip will determine who wins the trophy.

“The deal I have done with David, and to know what I can walk away with, even if we don’t win, is just mind-blowing,” Farrell said.

“They sound like great people too, and if we win, we’ll toss a coin for the trophy; how Australian is that.”

One thing’s for sure, the next five weeks will be a whirlwind of excitement for Farrell, Robb, and connections in the lead-up to the 17 October race day at Royal Randwick.