Flying Merkel and his trainer, former Ceduna resident Scott Trenowden, were involved in a traffic accident on their way to the races and were lucky to even make it to Morphettville in time to run.

The vehicle towing the float was badly damaged while the window in the float smashed.

Luckily both Scott and his charge escaped injury and after waiting under a tree on the side of South Road for 40 minutes for a lift they were finally back on their way to the track.

Once on track Flying Merkel was examined by the vet, and apart from a little nick above an eye, he escaped the accident well and was passed fit to race. And race he did.

Well ridden, just off the speed, by Melbourne based rider Dean Holland, Flying Merkel gained a split in the straight and raced home over the top of his rivals.

Despite starting as the outsider of the field, Flying Merkel cruised home over a length ahead of his nearest highly regarded rival.

Flying Merkel was bred by his owners and is the second foal from the former top West Coast sprinting mare Whistling Lass.

He is owned by Ceduna horseman Trevor “Bushy” Trenowden, former Ceduna resident and now Magic Millions media manager Greg Irvine and their good friend, Roxby Downs based Kerry Gum.

The win was the first at metropolitan level for first season trainer Scott Trenowden.

“It was a great win and after all the troubles getting to the track, it was especially satisfying,” a delighted Scott Trenowden said.

“It was a top effort from the horse and it was great to win for Dad, Greg and Kerry.”

As well as being owned by Ceduna interests, Flying Merkel was ridden to victory by Dean Holland, who had his first ever ride and win at the Ceduna track as an apprentice.

Trenowden said Flying Merkel could have his next start at Morphettville on December 5.

The win on Saturday was his fourth from just 11 starts – following two wins at Murray Bridge and another at Gawler.

Two of Flying Merkel’s part owners - Trevor Trenowden and Greg Irvine – are sure to be toasting the win when they get together to celebrate early next month when Irvine, a former West Coast Sentinel correspondent, returns to Ceduna prior to attending the Magic Millions Carnival on the Gold Coast in January.