Wanganui district councillor Ray Stevens was so touched by the devastation that befell a Victorian city he has named his racehorse after it.
Spiritofwhittlesea made his debut at Tauherenikau on Monday. He finished well out of the placings, but Mr Stevens still feels he has a bright future.
He says that also
goes for the shire of Whittlesea, which was scorched by the bushfires in February 2008 with serious loss of life.
The dramatic footage of the fires caught worldwide attention, and Wanganui dug deep as well, eventually sending $27,500 to Whittlesea's relief fund.
Mr Stevens delivered the cheque in person last year, met the mayor and some of the people and left mightily impressed with their spirit and resolve.
"There are plans for the mayor to visit Wanganui. She's very appreciative of what Wanganui's done. And in time we hope to have a sister city relationship with Whittlesea."
Mr Stevens said Whittlesea's mayor was aware of his horse and the significance of the name.
"She actually emailed me to wish me and the horse luck. She will be following his fortunes."
Mr Stevens doesn't know when the four-year-old entire will start next.
