Born: 29 May 1945 Started training: 1975 Base: Pond House, Somerset Major victories: Grand National, Champion Hurdle (twice). 2003-04 wins: 175 2002-03 wins: 190 2001-02 wins: 235

That theory will be put to the test after he split with stable jockey and nine-time champion rider Tony McCoy in 2004.

Instead the Nicolashayne-based trainer is now using several jockeys, including Timmy Murphy, Rodi Greene, Tom Scudamore and McCoy.

The son of a bookmaker, Pipe was an amateur rider until breaking his thigh in 1972.

He took out a trainer's licence three years later although he did not become champion trainer until 1989, when he had 208 winners, almost double the previous record.

He has been the leading trainer in terms of winners (the title is calculated by prize money) every year since 1985 and has been champion trainer a record 14 times.

His method was to bring a revolutionary scientific approach to training with blood tests and relentless fitness training an integral part.

He has also perfected the art of finding the right race - often at the less-heralded tracks - in which to place a horse.

The result has been topping the 200-winner mark - a feat no other trainer has ever managed - eight times.

Pipe even dabbles on the Flat and has landed several races at Royal Ascot as well as the Northumberland Plate and the Doncaster Cup.

In 2000, he was made a CBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

Martin Pipe Q&A

Favourite horse trained for the National?
Miinnehoma.

First memory of the National?
Taking bets from fellow pupils at school and winning!

Best memory of the National?
Richard Dunwoody riding Miinnehoma to victory in 1994.

Worst?
The 1997 IRA bomb scare.

Horse you would most like to have trained for the National?
Golden Miller, winner of the 1934 Grand National, trained by Dorothy Paget.

Superstitions?
You name it I've got it!