Gibson has his Lady on a mission

French-based trainer Richard Gibson is hoping this weekend can yet again be the highlight of his season when fielding Lady Of Chad in tomorrow's Peugeot Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket, a year less a day after she brought her trainer Group One success at his first attempt on Arc day at Longchamp.

The Lamorlaye-based handler celebrated his landmark victory in the 1999 Prix Marcel Boussac just minutes before Montjeu won the Arc. But this year he has rejected the Parisian meeting in favour of windswept Newmarket's Group Two fillies-only event after talks with Lady Of Chad's new owner, high-profile Japanese-based Teruya Yoshida.

"Our other option was the Prix du Rond-Point - also a Group Two - at Longchamp on Sunday, but we wanted to pick the easier option and thought that running against just fillies rather than colts as well would be best," said Gibson, who has booked John Reid for the ride.

It will be Gibson's first runner in his native Britain, as he forged his training career in France through working as assistant to such well-known names as Pascal Bary and Alex Pantall. He also spent working winters in America, including with US handler Bill Mott during the era of the great Cigar, before setting up in his own right four years ago.

But Lady Of Chad is also, in a sense, returning home, having been bought by Gibson at Tattersalls' October Sales in Newmarket two years ago for just 25,000gns - his sole, spur-of-the-moment purchase at the auction. Under his care, she became champion European juvenile filly in 1999, won Group races at all levels and Ff1.5million in prize money.

"Although she didn't manage to win a classic, she has had a creditable season and is a very difficult filly to beat when at the top of her game," said Gibson. "I'm very lucky that Mr Yoshida decided to keep her in training with me. Beyond Saturday, America is on our minds, but Mr Yoshida will decide that and whether she stays in training next year."

Lady Of Chad arrives in Newmarket today, to be followed by her trainer while her owner is detained in Japan for a domestic Group One event. Gibson is confident that the filly will do connections proud. "I'm a great believer in first time lucky," he said.