Date of birth: 26 April 1979 Main trainer: Francois Doumen National best: Ninth Djeddah (2000) 2002 wins: 11 (Fra) 2001 wins: 11 (Fra) 2000 wins: 20 (Fra)

But the youngster has not had it all his own way as he embarks on his own career in the sport.

Doumen has often been savagely criticised by the British media for his naive tactical approach to racing.

However, in his defence he can point to some notable triumphs, in partnership with his father, against the best of British.

The 2000 win on First Gold in the King George VI Chase is Doumen's biggest in Britain.

But as well as that Kempton Park victory, he has also enjoyed triumphs at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals.

He partnered First Gold to victory in the Martell Cup Chase at Liverpool in 2001 during a season in which, but for foot-and-mouth, the pair would have been fancied to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

As it is, Doumen's most notable successes at Cheltenham have come on Baracouda in the Stayers' Hurdle.

The most recent of those wins this year proved the pair's pedigree as they held off the fancied challenge of Limestone Lad to the dismay of the Irish.

In a memorable meeting, that last day win came hot on the heels of the birth of his first child on the opening day.

Doumen has not enjoyed such celebrated success at the Grand National, having only finished in one of his four outings.

Doumen has recently added another string to his bow having been awarded his trainer's licence at the end of 2002.