Date of birth: 15 Dec 1946 Started training: 1989 Base: Wantage, Oxfordshire 2002-2003 wins: 44 2001-2002 wins: 48 2000-2001 wins: 39 1999-2000 wins: 42 Stable stars: Best Mate, Chives, Edredon Bleu Main jockey: Jim Culloty

But one stands out, head and shoulders above all the others.

Best Mate defended his Cheltenham Gold Cup title at this year's Festival in fine style to become the first back-to-back winner of National Hunt's premier race since 1971 and will aim to emulate the legendary Arkle with a third success this year.

Best Mate's success and popularity has put Knight firmly in the public eye - she has even published a book about the horse's life while a special open day over the summer in his honour attracted 5,000 people

Jim Lewis owns Best Mate and his partnership with Knight has proved particularly fruitful.

He has also provided her with another two-time Festival winner - the evergreen Edredon Bleu taking the Grand Annual in 1998 and a thrilling Champion Chase in 2000.

A former biology teacher, Knight's equine career began in the world of eventing and before taking out a full licence, she was a point-to-point trainer who also specialised in breaking in horses.

This has undoubtedly influenced her approach to training, which complements the more hard-headed expertise of her assistant trainer and husband, former champion jockey Terry Biddlecombe.