Power naps, Banjo Paterson and Italian food with friends give renowned trainer Gai Waterhouse the extra energy she needs to power through the first days of Melbourne Cup carnival. She tells Life & Leisure about her brilliant long weekend.

Saturday morning I'm up at 2.15am on Saturday to prepare for Derby Day. At the stables, I'll speak to my foreman to finalise any work that needs doing, to confirm who will be riding and to check if there are any problems with the horses. And, of course, I'll speak with Adrian Bott, my co-trainer. The first race of Derby Day is very early – about 10am – so I'll dash back home and try to fit in a short sleep. Then it's time for hair and make-up, to make sure I look the part. That's very important: if you look tired, people will say you're not coping.