“Isn’t it amazing how the Country Championships has just gone from strength to strength.”

Five-year-old Rory Turnbull could have quite the story to tell when he turns up at kindergarten next week after a horse named in his honour, Run Rory Run, contests Sunday’s $150,000 Newhaven Park Mid North Coast Country Championships (1400m) at Tuncurry.

He was once the ‘Country King’ and after a Group 1 winter campaign trainer Jenny Graham is looking forward to Victorem having a chance reclaim his crown with a third shot at The Kosciuszko later this year.

Jenny Graham may have another star on her hands as Nicci Trix aims to book her spot in The Kosciuszko with a win in the TAB Highway (1100m) on Saturday.

Promising recent efforts by Black Jacamar have provided every indication the filly is ready to handle her most serious test to date in the Class 2 Handicap at Port Macquarie on Tuesday.