THE spirit of the Anzacs will flow through this year's Jericho Cup with representation from across the Tasman for the first time in the reinvented horse race.
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Two New Zealand-trained horses, Aigne from the Neil O'Dowd stable and the Shaun Ritchie-trained Where Are You have, have made the journey to compete alongside the Australians in the $300,000 event at the Warrnambool racecourse on Sunday.
The Jericho Cup, the brainchild of passionate racing fan Bill Gibbins, honours Australia's light-horsemen and their mounts. Last year's inaugural meeting attracted more than 4500 people.
As part of activities the New Zealand flag, which is flown to commemorate Anzac connected events, will fly proudly at the racecourse.
The Panmure Action Group, which is the custodian of the flag, will attend the meeting.
PAG president Ian Wallace paid credit to Gibbins for his foresight and vision with the Jericho Cup.
"He has put up his own money, time and efforts to make sure the Jericho Cup is a success," he said.
"His generosity is extraordinary. It's wonderful to see this year's race has two New Zealand-trained horses competing and New Zealand-bred horses in the final field."
Warrnambool Racing Club CEO Tom O'Connor said early indications pointed to a successful meeting.
"The Jericho Cup touches so many people from all walks of life," he said.
The 4600-metre Jericho Cup is run on the flat through the paddocks.
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