The doyenne of the South Midlands racing scene is surely Henrietta Knight, whose exit from the training ranks in 2014 to look after ailing husband Terry Biddlecombe, was much regretted by those that admired her straight-talking no-nonsense style. 

They say time away re-ignites the appetite, and this adage would seem to be a truism for the grand old dame of West Hendred, who re-entered the training lists last autumn without much fanfare. 

There is little Henrietta can learn about horse management that has not surfaced before now. That she knows the game backwards is evident, but building up a set of owners is the most demanding element of the training mix. The redoubtable trainer of three time Gold Cup winner Best Mate and others that shone the spotlight of fame her way is finding her way back into the big time with a group of young horses.

Stable flagbearer Motazzen is a modestly rated handicap hurdler, but he has been running hot these past 4 weeks, and his trainer eschewed a visit to racing's HQ on New Year's Day in preference to Southwell where he won his third race in the space of 3 weeks. "It feels fantastic. This is a proper game – I love Fontwell,"she had remarked to the Racing Post after the same horse broke her Jumps duck on December 10 at the unique Sussex course. At 78, she still has a great appetite for the game.

Assistant trainer Brendan Powell, another with little to learn about training and riding, was on hand at Cheltenham to see Lilly Pinchin ride an excellent race to take the listed Junior Bumper and set up a tilt at graded company in March or April.

Good to see you back Hen!