Hunter and his wife Julie are shareholders in last year's winner Protectionist and he will have the most famous trophy in Australian sport on hand for lucky punters that head to this Saturday's Mendooran Cup race meeting, sponsored by Edwards Livestock Exports.

Fittingly, the former German-trained stayer will resume from a spell in the Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on the same day.

But for Hunter the experience of bringing the cup to the people of the bush will ensure he is at his home track on the day.

"I wouldn't be anywhere but Mendooran on Saturday," he said.

"Some people win the cup and it never leaves their cupboard or office but I'm lucky to be in a position where I can share it with so many people from around the area.

"Not long after Protectionist won the race we had it here at the pub, and I've taken it to Coonabarabran to the Cooinda Nursing Home where an old trainer mate of mine, Colin Easey, is living now.

"We had the trophy there in his room and I reckon within five minutes word had spread and about 50 people had come and wanted to have a look and a hold.

"To be able to have the Melbourne Cup at the track on Mendooran Cup day is something you never think could happen, but we're very lucky so why not share it around?"

Mendooran Turf Club president Geoff Langford said he is hopeful of a record crowd flocking into the picturesque track for Saturday's meeting.

With recent rain in the area the track and surrounds are looking in pristine condition, and with the added attraction of the cup he is confident of a big day.

"We only race once a year so it takes a lot of work to get the meeting together but we've had calls from people in other towns looking to bring buses out here for the day so it is shaping up well," Langford said.

"We're grateful to John and Julie that they have offered to have the cup here for people to have photographs with, and combined with our own races it should be a great afternoon.

"The good thing about it is that when you know someone that wins a big race, you kind of feel like you own the horse as well in a way, and a lot of people now follow Protectionist like he's our horse.

"Saturday's race will probably be too short for him but if he runs a place the cheers will probably be able to be heard in Binnaway."

The Hunters' involvement with Protectionist came about through a long association with syndicators Australian Bloodstock.

The Newcastle-based company have sourced many European horses over recent years, with the couple enjoying success with the likes of Ockham's Razor, Mawingo and Brook Road.

"Luke Murrell and Jamie Lovett run the company, and they are good blokes. They do their homework and we've had a fair bit of success," Hunter said.

"Protectionist comes back to racing this weekend and we're aiming him at the cup again. Last year will be hard to top but if he won it again it would be amazing."