Racing Victoria says the Federal government has less than a fortnight to keep alive hopes of Japanese participation in this year's 150th Melbourne Cup.

Delta Blues and Pop Rock quinellaed the 2006 Melbourne Cup, but Japan has not been represented at the past three Melbourne Cups after an equine influenza outbreak caused tighter restrictions on the importation of Japanese horses.

RVL’s Leigh Jordon said the Gillard government has completed a review of the paperwork relating to three new pre-export quarantine facilities in Japan.

Jordon said representatives of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service are scheduled to travel to Japan to inspect the facilities in the next “10 to 14 days”, but any delay would significantly lessen any remaining chance of Japanese horses travelling to Melbourne for the spring.

“If it all takes place as scheduled, it is all looking positive,” Jordon said.

“But we do need the government to go to Japan in the next 10 to 14 days to conduct the inspections and hopefully approve the arrangements.

“The longer this goes, the more likely it is Japanese trainers would look elsewhere for other options to take their horses to and more chance we would lose runners.”

Meanwhile, Jordon reported an increased interest from European trainers wishing to have runners in the historic running of the Melbourne Cup.

Jordon will head to the UK on Tuesday to meet with interested connections at Newmarket’s July Cup meeting.

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