Henrietta Knight to return to coaching in new yr with 25-30 horses | Racing Information

Henrietta Knight, who saddled Finest Mate to 3 straight Cheltenham Gold Cup triumphs, is poised for a return to the coaching ranks within the new yr.

The 76-year-old is greatest recognized for her hat-trick of victories within the blue riband occasion between 2002 and 2004 however was additionally the coach of Champion Chase hero Edredon Bleu, who equally carried the colors of Finest Mate’s proprietor Jim Lewis.

Knight, who was married to former champion soar jockey Terry Biddlecombe, retired in 2012 however has remained concerned within the sport by working a pre-training enterprise and in addition being an energetic determine on the gross sales.

Nevertheless, she is going to now recommence coaching underneath guidelines from her West Lockinge base, the place she hopes to coach round 25-30 horses.

Knight will likely be assisted by Grand Nationwide-winning jockey Brendan Powell, who was a coach in his personal proper earlier than serving as assistant to Joseph O’Brien and Rebecca Menzies lately, and he’s excited to hyperlink up with such a distinguished title in racing.

“I’ve recognized Hen for 30-odd years and was good associates with Terry,” stated Powell.

“I came to visit right here to Rebecca’s and it type of hasn’t actually labored out and Hen talked about to me within the week that she was considering if she obtained the horses, she would not thoughts coaching once more and requested if I might think about taking place and serving to out.

“I had a couple of chats along with her and we determined that I might give it a go and see what occurs.”

He went on: “I do know she has utilized for the licence and there must be no cause why she would not get it.

“It is a good place there and my son Brendan rides on the market together with Paul O’Brien and James Bowen. She’s at all times busy and at all times obtained loads of horses in and she or he is hoping to get round 25-30 horses, which might be only a good quantity. We’ll give it a go and see what occurs.

“She has been an amazing coach over time and with the horses she has had. It is clearly not going to be as large as that now, however I am positive we will get some good house owners collectively – she has a couple of already – and we’ll see if we will construct on that.”

Knight instructed Telegraph Sport: “Folks will in all probability assume I am mad beginning once more when most individuals are stopping, however I like doing issues and I miss the thrill.

“Cheltenham’s the place I like and I can not wait to get again there. The emphasis will likely be on looking for a couple of chasers to take me again to Cheltenham. I am very excited and wish to get going.”

Watch the Melbourne Cup assembly from Flemington reside on Sky Sports activities Racing from 11pm on Monday night time with the large race due off at 4am.