TO the would-be explorer the senior editor (expeditions) at the National Geographic Magazine is a magnetic figure, but daunting. He looks through those shoals of letters which arrive weekly with pleas of sponsorship for proposed expeditions.

Vincent O’Brien County Hurdle possible Inventor could head a team of at least three for owner Jon Glews at the Cheltenham Festival.

The veteran special effects genius, Ray Harryhausen, turned to Belfast-born sculptor Gareth Knowles when he wanted to commission a lifesized depiction of explorer Dr Livingstone's encounter with an African lion.