A RECORD number of Irish and British horses were left in the Melbourne Cup at yesterday's first acceptance stage. There were no fewer than 13 Anglo Irish acceptors, helped in part by what is thought to be a weaker than usual home challenge.

Ireland's standard bearer is again Vintage Crop, who became the first horse trained in the northern hemisphere to lift the Melbourne Cup when successful for Dermot Weld in 1993. Weld is also represented by Humbel and Saturday's Pertemps St Leger candidate Gordi, while Kevin Prendergast has left in both Oscar Schindler and I'm Supposin.

Britain's eight strong contingent is headed by Classic Cliche and Double Trigger, the last two winners of the Ascot Gold Cup.

Also left in the November 5th event are Court of Honour (P Chapple Hyam), Celeric (D Morley), Grey Shot (I Balding), Lear White (P Kelleway), Blushing Flame and Always Aloof (both M Stoute).

Victoria Racing club racing secretary Les Benton said. We re highly delighted at the overseas entry and the quality of horses is of the highest calibre.

The next acceptance stage is on October 8th, by which time potential runners from Ireland or Britain will have had to go into quarantine.