“He’s got a grin on his face every day,” beams Richard Gibson as he describes his star speedster, Wellington, and the experience of spending Royal Ascot week at the picturesque Manton Estate, west of London.

Manton Estate, a facility that has produced many classic winners since its establishment in the 1860s, was once the property of Robert Sangster and is now home to Group One-winning trainers Brian Meehan and Martyn Meade.

For a horse that has never even ventured to the Jockey Club’s Conghua Racecourse in mainland China, the lush green grass of the sprawling training facility has literally and figuratively been a breath of fresh air ahead of Wellington’s maiden overseas assignment.

“He’s in top condition. He’s really well, and horses, when they travel out of Hong Kong and get to see facilities like this, they thrive – and they smile,” Gibson said of Wellington, who is not the only Hong Kong superstar to spend time at Manton, with Meehan involved in the pre-training of the Jockey Club’s purchases for the Hong Kong International Sale, including champion Romantic Warrior.

“It’s Martyn Meade here at Manton who’s allowed us to come, and of course, Brian Meehan has very kindly produced some first-class accommodation for us.

“Obviously, here is steeped in history and is one of the most historic private training centres in the world, so we’re very, very lucky to be here, and I’m delighted we’ve brought our lead horse. These details are important.

“Wellington would be lost without him on the trip, and it’s very important that he comes, and he’s played an important role. Look at him. He’s got a grin on his face every day, and why wouldn’t you?”

The lead horse Gibson mentions is the now retired Kwaichung Brothers – winner of three of 41 Hong Kong starts – and the gelding accompanied Wellington in a Thursday morning gallop that left the trainer pleased ahead of Saturday’s Group One Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1,200m).

Wellington has been handed barrier 15 of 16 for the contest – another of the favourites, Highfield Princess, is in 16 – and British superstar Ryan Moore takes the reins.

“There’s no doubt about it, if he produces his Hong Kong form, he’s got a terrific chance,” said Gibson, who is chasing a fairy tale ending to his Hong Kong career after recently confirming he will leave the city at the end of this season.

“What I did out of interest was to look at the last 10 years of the race to see where they were coming from, and I know the other runners well.”

Wellington continues to be popular in betting and is as short as $6 in some overseas fixed-odds markets, with Australian speedster Artorius – whom James McDonald will ride – maintaining favouritism.

For Gibson, it will be his second attempt at winning the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes after Gold-Fun’s narrow second in 2016.

“Actually, Gold-Fun came to Ascot a year too late. This guy is a much healthier horse, and he’s in top shape,” Gibson reiterated of Wellington, the first Hong Kong-based galloper since Gold-Fun to race in the United Kingdom.

Mick Kinane, Jim McGrath rate Wellington’s Royal Ascot chances

Wellington will be the toast of Hong Kong if he can go one better than Gold-Fun this weekend, and there might be one more benefit of stabling at Manton Estate should everything go to plan – connections can stop at the Wellington Arms in nearby Marlborough for a celebratory tipple on the way home.