Nicholls is one of the younger generation of trainers and looks certain to be champion before too long.

He enjoyed 130 winners in his career as a professional jump jockey, including two Hennessy Gold Cups and a Welsh National.

Paul Nicholls

Born: 17 April,1962 Started training: 1991 Base: Ditcheat, Somerset 2001/02 winners: 136 Main jockey: Barry Geraghty, Timmy Murphy, Joe Tizzard Stable stars: Armaturk, Cenkos, Azertyuiop

After learning his trade with David Barons, Nicholls took out a training licence in 1991.

He has finished as runner-up to Martin Pipe for the last four years but the increasing depth of talent in his stable means he is edging closer to the trainers' title all the time.

His best horse to date has been See More Business, who won the King George VI Chase twice and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Nicholls has also won the Queen Mother Champion Chase with Call Equiname in 1997, the same year Belmont King won the Scottish National.

Another success has been Ad Hoc, winner of the Whitbread Gold Cup in 2001 and who was going very well before being brought down in last season's Grand National.