Racing: Melbourne could have biggest international flavour yet

SYDNEY - A record number of 10 horses from beyond Australia and New Zealand have arrived in Australia in the hope of racing in next month's Melbourne Cup.

Irish stallion Vinnie Roe and English stayers Distinction and Franklin Gardens were today the last to arrive, swelling the overseas contingent to double figures for the first time.

The powerful Arab-based Godolphin stable has three potential runners -- Razkalla, Fight Your Corner and Fantastic Love -- while the English have a third runner in Carte Diamond.

Asia may have two runners with Japanese-based Eye Popper and Hong Kong's Super Kid, while Grey's Inn will carry South African hopes.

The record number of horses trained outside Australasia to start a Melbourne Cup is seven but organisers say that record will be beaten this year although not all of the entrants are guaranteed a start at this stage.

Racing Victoria's racing operations manager Stephen Allanson said: "Generally, we get six to eight international horses most years and I think we have to accept that some years there will be up to 10 international runners.

"Maybe some might say it is too many but you never know who is going to get a run."

The Melbourne Cup, to be run at Flemington on November 1, is Australia's richest and most famous horse race.

Only two horses trained outside Australia and New Zealand have won the race, which was first held in 1861, with Vintage Crop saluting in 1993 and Media Puzzle scoring in 2002. Both horses are trained in Ireland by Dermot Weld.

Vinnie Roe, also trained by Weld, finished second last year to two-time winner Makybe Diva.

- REUTERS