Born: Lewes, East Sussex, on May 30, 1945.

Background: Began training in 1970 when he took over the licence on the retirement of his father Henry (Harry).

Married: to Jo and has six children - the triplets Richard jnr (his assistant trainer), Henry and Lizzie (who is married to stable jockey Richard Hughes), Fanny (who is married to trainer Sylvester Kirk), Claire and Julie.

First Winner: Sir Nuilli over hurdles at Chepstow on March 30, 1970. Ampney Prince provided his initial winner on the Flat in a Newbury maiden on April 17 the same year.

First Pattern-race victory: Crespinall ,1972 Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom.

2000 Guineas winners: Mon Fils (1973), Don't Forgot Me (1987), Tirol (1990).

1000 Guineas winner: Sky Lantern (2013).

Irish 2,000 Guineas winners: Don't Forget Me (1987), Tirol (1990), Canford Cliffs (2010).

Other major wins: Falmouth Stakes (1991 Only Yours, 1993 Niche, 1994 Lemon Souffle, 1995 Caramba), July Cup (1992 Mr Brooks), Lockinge Stakes (1993 Swing Low, 2010 Paco Boy, 2011 Canford Cliffs), Moyglare Stud Stakes (1993 Lemon Souffle, 2012 Sky Lantern), Nunthorpe Stakes (1992 Lyric Fantasy), Prix de l'Abbaye (1992 Mr Brooks), Prix du Cadran (1993 Assessor), Prix Royal-Oak (1992 Assessor), Prix Maurice de Gheest (2000 Bold Edge), Cheveley Park Stakes (2006 Indian Ink), Gran Criterium (2007 Scintillo), Prix de la Foret (2008 Paco Boy), Prix Jean Prat (2010 Dick Turpin), Champagne Stakes (1986 Don't Forget Me, 2011 Trumpet Major, 2012 Toronado), St James's Palace Stakes (2010 Canford Cliffs), Royal Hunt Cup (2008 Mr Aviator), Wokingham Handicap (1990 Knight Of Mercy, 1994 Venture Capitalist), King Edward VII Stakes (1992 Beyton), Queen Mary Stakes (1981 Fly Baby, 1992 Lyric Fantasy, 1993 Risky, 2006 Gilded, 2011 Best Terms), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink, 2013 Sky Lantern), Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1992 Shalford), Queen Anne Stakes (2009 Paco Boy, 2011 Canford Cliffs), Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (2013 Olympic Glory), Coventry Stakes (1989 Rock City, 2009 Canford Cliffs, 2010 Strong Suit), Coronation Stakes (2007 Indian Ink, 2013 Sky Lantern), Markel Insurance Nassau Stakes (1972 Crespinall, 1995 Caramba), Sussex Stakes (2003 Reel Buddy, 2010 Canford Cliffs, 2013 Toronado), National Stakes (2013 Toormore).