Huge sparkle in winner's eye

Natalie Millerchen with her sparkling prize from the Diamond Stakes. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Natalie Millerchen is thinking about swapping her wedding ring with her newest piece of jewellery worth a cool $12,000.

Mrs Millerchen, of Oratia in West Auckland, was named the Diamond Darling on Diamond Day on Saturday - the last day of Auckland Cup Week at Ellerslie.

Wearing a spiral-patterned purple and white number, she was among 12 best-dressed women picked to take part in the popular Haunui Farm Diamond Stakes race.

Mrs Millerchen picked out the colt Warhorse and although he passed the post second - behind two-year-old filly Rollout The Carpet - he was made the winner following a post-race inquiry. Mrs Millerchen was yesterday still buzzing with excitement and had not taken the ring off.

"I'm walking around the supermarket at the moment.

"I'm not having it out of my sight so I'm sporting it around New World," she laughed.

"It's huge - it's massive!

"I'm almost considering taking my wedding ring off and making this my wedding ring.

"It's worth a lot more money."

She and husband Patrick had organised a sitter for their two children for the day, having decided to go to the races with a few friends.

She had a dress specially made for the event but had not expected to be picked for the diamond race, so was surprised when she got a tap on the shoulder.