CLARE HIGGINS joined the St Gatien Stables set-up in March 2006 - and trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam promptly enjoyed his nest season since returning to British. Coincidence? Not if you ask if the blonde-haired wizard of the office!

On a more serious note, Clare came to the yard after two stints working as a stable lass for James Eustace. A nasty cruciate ligament injury put paid to daily riding, so Clare focussed on getting into racing administration.

She is the yard’s bright spark (no, honestly) with a great sense of humour. Clare is a graduate from Nottingham and Trent University with a first-class degree in Equine Sports Science.

She loves her job and is the first point of contact for many when ringing the yard. Helpful and efficient, she does a solid job in helping Pete and his head men to organise an 85-strong string.