On Monday morning Rayner said he was still pinching myself.

“I’ve never hugged so many men in my life,” he said.

Former Orange residents and now Parkes policemen Scott Rayner and Stuart Milne plus Frank Weymouth, Greg Fletcher, Adam Cornish and Kevin Tandy from Orange will share in the $5.8 million first prize, part of the $10 million pool for the richest race on turf.

Rayner said it was his first time trackside to watch Redzel race.

“It was pandemonium after the race,” he said.

“My phone went into meltdown.

“Everyone had a little wager on him, so everyone’s a winner.”

The Australian Turf Club put on a party for the winning owners.

“It was unbelievable, the whole experience was fantastic from the mounting yard to the winners room,” Rayner said.

“Mingling with the jockey and the trainer afterwards was great. 

“They are down to earth approachable people who were so happy for the group of owners. 

“He [Redzel] has enabled us to buy into three other horses, we are very lucky. 

“But I don’t know how we would top this.”

Weymouth, a junior cricket coach, said the celebrations continued all night at the Star Casino.

“I think it’s the most incredible experience I’ve ever been involved in,” he said.

“It was an all-night party, I got to bed at quarter past six.”

Weymouth said he had a big punt on Redzel as he was confident the horse would win.

“We’ve had a good crack at it,” he said.

“[Trainer] Peter Snowden said the only way he was going to lose that was if we stuffed up the start.

“About 400 metres to go, for me, when he came around the corner, I knew that was it, I started celebrating then.”

Weymouth would not reveal his share of the prizemoney.

“It is very well syndicated, we are only very, very small players.

“We are going to get a nice cut out of it.

“But for me it is all about the fun side of it, being with your mates, I’m absolutely blessed.”

Weymouth said he expected Redzel would return for The Everest next year.