It can't be all plain sailing overseas

This Sunday sees the big International fixture from Sha Tin in Hong Kong.

I went there in April for the QE II and Champions Mile meeting, and while it pelted down with rain for the whole day (as well as a few mornings before when I was doing my all important work watching) it was good to see some of the best horses in the world.

With so many valuable prizes to be won abroad, many trainers employ one person to act as a sort of flying groom-come-work rider.

Funnily enough, Luca Cumani was advertising for staff a few weeks ago and tried to entice new employees to his yard by offering the opportunity to travel overseas.

I'm not sure if he was genuine or if it was simply a case of a carrot being dangled on a stick.

I've never travelled with a horse to a foreign country, but I've done my fair share of looking after horses at the races in the UK, and while it usually goes according to plan, there have been a few unusual afternoons at the races.

I once took a runner to Hereford, his name was Deel Time, and to be quite honest, I could have probably run faster than him; and maybe even jumped more efficiently if events later had any bearing.

He took his chance in a novice chase and after being pushed along to keep tabs on the rest of the pack, the chestnut took a right tumble at the second fence down the far side and the partnership between horse and rider became detached.

As most of you know, I'm a massive fan of jump racing, but on this occasion my enthusiasm was dampened.

Once the race had ended, I had to find and catch my charge by making my way briskly across to the other side of the course where I found my faller cantering up and down past the trees looking very pleased with himself.

I'm not quite sure which one of us clocked up the most miles running.

QUIET AS A MOUSE

One of the first times I led up was at Haydock Park in the north of England.

The horse under my care was a pretty decent sprinter called Lord High Admiral and it's fair to say he was a very strong character.

Former champion jockey, Michael "Mouse" Roberts was called upon for his services and as my immaculate-looking charge began to anticipate what was about to happen in the parade ring, he threw in some bucks and kicks as well as a couple of spins for good measure.

Once legged up, Mouse was far from quiet as his mount became over-excited and the screams and groans coming from above would have made you think it was the first time he had sat on a horse.

It was a good job the rider had the advantage of a neck strap to help keep himself aboard otherwise I don't know what would have happened.

Lord High Admiral finished second and Roberts retired soon after. I'm not sure why.