Globetrotting trainer Richard Gibson has had some interesting experiences in his travels with horses around the world with his next to come at Flemington on Tuesday when he saddles up Varevees, the first French-trained runner in the Melbourne Cup.
Based at Chantilly in France, Gibson was originally from England and has won more than 500 races worldwide over the past decade in countries including Dubai, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Hong Kong and even Kazakhstan.
"We took a horse to the Chinese-Mongolian border and we were fortunate enough to win the race," Gibson said.
"There were quite a few stray dogs on the track. There was a crowd of 8,000 and a few of the jockeys forgot to wear their hard hats.
"It was a very unique experience and fortunately the horse came back safe and sound."
Gibson has also mixed it at the top level with the likes of stable star Doctor Dino winning the Man O'War Stakes at Belmont Park in the US and the Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin.
He also ran third in the Sheema Classic in Dubai.
Gibson's first Group One winner was Lady of Chad who went on to become the champion filly of her time in Europe.
Varevees will be the first Cup runner for Australian owner Rick Jamieson whose black colours were carried to victory in the first two Melbourne Cups by Archer in 1861 and 1862.
Gibson has enlisted the services of three-time Melbourne premier jockey Craig Williams for the mare who has drawn barrier 23, one from the outside.
He said Williams had recommended taking blinkers off the mare as she'd been working a bit too keenly in them.
"She'll race in what you call winkers," he said.
"We've been pleased with her preparation, but we've got a big challenge facing us on Tuesday.
"I also think it is a learning curve. We'll see what we can learn on Tuesday and bring back something bigger and better."
A six-year-old Kahyasi mare, Varevees hasn't shown much in three appearances in France this year.
The latest of her eight wins from 21 starts was over 3000m at Group Three level against five rivals at Longchamps in September 2007.
At her next start the following month she was runner-up by a short-head to Le Miracle in the Group One Prix De Cadran (4000m) at Longchamps, a race in which Aidan O'Brien's star stayer Yeats was three lengths further back in third place.
"She's a good stayer when she's in her best form, but it's a big ask," Gibson said.
Most betting agencies and bookmakers have Varevees at around $101 for the Cup.
