Steven Knight
Steven Charles Knight's day in the sun came on 4 April 1987 when he won the Grand National on Maori Venture.
Steven Charles Knight's day in the sun came on 4 April 1987 when he won the Grand National on Maori Venture.
Celebrations were held the following day at trainer Andy Turnell's stables at which it was announced that the winner would be retired from racing.
Celebrations were held the following day at trainer Andy Turnell's stables at which it was announced that the winner would be retired from racing.
Winning owner Jim Joel also announced his intention to leave Maori Venture to Steve in his will.
Winning owner Jim Joel also announced his intention to leave Maori Venture to Steve in his will.
Born in Somerset on February 4, 1955, Steve was aged 15 when he became apprenticed to Richard Hannon. He had never ridden before but Hannon taught him a lot in a short time, and within a year of first sitting on a horse, he rode his first winner (October, 1971).
Born in Somerset on February 4, 1955, Steve was aged 15 when he became apprenticed to Richard Hannon. He had never ridden before but Hannon taught him a lot in a short time, and within a year of first sitting on a horse, he rode his first winner (October, 1971).
He rode three winners on the Flat before becoming too heavy and joined Bob Turnell in 1974.
He rode three winners on the Flat before becoming too heavy and joined Bob Turnell in 1974.
On only his twelfth ride over fences, he won the Whitbread Gold Cup.
On only his twelfth ride over fences, he won the Whitbread Gold Cup.
His most serious injury was at broken thigh at Newbury in March 1979.
His most serious injury was at broken thigh at Newbury in March 1979.
Steve's big winners were:
Steve's big winners were:
1975: Whitbread Gold Cup - April Seventh
1975: Whitbread Gold Cup - April Seventh
1976: Fighting Fifth Hurdle - Bird's Nest
1976: Fighting Fifth Hurdle - Bird's Nest
1980: Sun Alliance - Lacson
1980: Sun Alliance - Lacson
1980: County Handicap Hurdle - Prince of Bermuda
1980: County Handicap Hurdle - Prince of Bermuda
1982: Philip Cornes Saddle of Gold Hurdle Final - Angelo Salvini
1982: Philip Cornes Saddle of Gold Hurdle Final - Angelo Salvini
1982: Mandarin Handicap Chase - Maori Venture
1982: Mandarin Handicap Chase - Maori Venture
1984: Ritz Club - Tracy's Special
1984: Ritz Club - Tracy's Special
1987: Mandarin Handicap Chase - Maori Venture
1987: Mandarin Handicap Chase - Maori Venture
1987: Grand National - Maori Venture
1987: Grand National - Maori Venture