The Starship Foundation missed out on a $500,000 donation at the weekend, when the 4-year-old horse "I Wish I Win" won the Golden Eagle race at Rosehill in Sydney.

10-percent of the winnings was destined for charity... and when just days before the race the New Zealand majority owner of the young thoroughbred asked if the money could come back home, he was told 'yes'... and given just 24 hours to get Starship's approval. 

But Starship declined the offer - saying it didn't have enough time to clear the donation before the close of business 

Instead, the winnings went to Muscular Dystrophy New South Wales. 

The owner, Mark Chittick spoke to Michael Cropp.