Camperdown trainers Ron Gravett, Geoff Daffy and his sons John and Kevin enjoyed the two days of racing at Churchill Downs, plus numerous horse stud visits with John and Allegra Ernst in Kentucky in the first week of May 2012.

Before leaving the US, the Western District group told the high-profile racehorse breeders they had to come to Australia to experience the famous Warrnambool carnival.

On Friday Daffy received notification the couple had booked flights to Australia to witness the carnival first hand.

"It's amazing that John and Allegra are coming over to see the carnival," the respected Camperdown trainer said.

"They are heavily involved with racing in the United States. They sort of took us under their wing when we were over there.

"We told them all about the Grand Annual Steeplechase and other races at our carnival. John and Allegra have kept a close eye on racing in the Western District and Australia since we met them. They watch our races on the pay television network."

Warrnambool Racing Club chairman Des Roberts said the United States visitors would be welcomed with open arms at the carnival.

"The club is over the moon to think the Ernsts will be making the trip," Roberts said.

"We're very thankful for Geoff and his crew for spreading the message to people over the other side of the world about our carnival.

"Geoff and his group are like so many other people. They are passionate about the carnival and love talking about their experiences."

Sadly, Gravett passed away in January this year after a short illness but the Daffys will gladly host the visiting couple with Gravett in their hearts.

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AUSTRALIA'S first lady of racing Gai Waterhouse has many things planned for her whirlwind visit to the Western District next week.

Waterhouse will be trackside for the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival but she has also indicated a visit to the Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) complex at Illowa is on the cards.

The champion trainer revealed on her blog she would be making a donation to the RDA after reading the story aboutformer jockey Brenton Primmer which appeared in The Standard earlier this month.

Waterhouse blogged that the RDA in Victoria and throughout Australia did magnificent work.

"There is no other way to say it! In Victoria alone they have 39 locations and with 800 volunteers, the RDA in Victoria manages to give 1200 riders a chance to enjoy the thrills, companionship and happiness that one can gain from interaction with horses," she said.

"The organisation teaches those with a disability the equestrian skills they need to enjoy the company of horses, just the same as anyone else."

CROSSLEY trainer Quinton Scott will attempt to win his third Wangoom Handicap at next week's Warrnambool May carnival when he saddles up his veteran galloper Another Prelate in the feature sprint race .

Another Prelate resumes in the 1200-metre race after a six-month break from racing.

Scott said the 10-year-old had worked well in the lead-up to the $150,000 event.

"I'm really happy how Another Prelate has been going. He's been a great horse for us. He's won eight races but has been in the minor placings on 23 occasions," Scott said.

"We've had terrible problems with Another Prelate's front feet during his career. He's got flat front feet but in saying that I reckon we've got them in the best shape we've had them during his career."

Scott won the 1978 Wangoom Handicap with Toroa and the 1984 race with Prince Of Brandy.

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HONEST mare Belvedere Road notched up a hat-trick of wins when she took out a $30,000 restricted race over 2500 metres at Pakenham on Sunday.

The Mitch Freedman-trained Belvedere Road won races at Sandown and Geelong at her previous two outings.

Freedman said the four-year-old appreciated soft tracks and distance races.

"She relishes wet tracks and stays all day," Freedman said.

"She's an honest stayer who puts in a 100 per cent in her races. Her effort today was excellent as she looked like she might be gone but she kept on fighting.

"We'll now look at a race at Cranbourne next month for her, which has excellent VOBIS and VOBIS Gold bonuses."

Belvedere Road has now won four of her 13 race starts.

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TOP jumps jockeys Steven Pateman, Richard Cully and John Allen have already indicated which horses they will be riding in next week's Warrnambool Grand Annual Steeplechase.

Pateman has put up his hand to ride the Patrick Payne-trained Lord Of The Song, while Cully will be attempting back-to-back wins on Chaparro in the $250,000 race.

Irish-born Allen has confirmed he will ride the Ciaron Maher-trained Regina Coeli in the 5500-metre event.

Regina Coeli, a half-sister to dual Grand Annual winner Al Garhood, has pleased Maher with her preparation following her win in a steeplechase at Ballarat last week.

"Her win at Ballarat over fences last week was good," he said.

"She handles all types of going. She's a clean-winded mare who will benefit from today's run.

"I thought she might have needed the run. I'm sure that run will have topped her off for the Grand Annual.

"I'm glad John had the ride on her at Ballarat as it gave him the chance to test her out in the lead-up to the Annual."

The six-year-old mare has won three of her seven jumps starts.

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OWNERS and trainers should note the entry and acceptance times for horses to run at next week's Warrnambool May Racing Carnival.

Entries for the first day close at noon tomorrow and at noon on Thursday for days two and three.

Acceptances for the opening day close at 9am Friday.

Acceptances for day two close at 9am next Monday and for day three at 11.00am next Monday.