From 20 to 2: the most influential figures in British and Irish racing this year

It has been another tumultuous year in racing. So much has happened, and here are some of those who made it happen. These are 19 of the 20 most influential figures in British and Irish racing during 2021, with the identity of number one to be revealed on Wednesday.

20 John Nallen

The owner of Clonmel's most popular hotel was also once owner of the horses who this year won the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National for Henry de Bromhead.

John Nallen was linked to the winners of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand NationalCredit: Patrick McCann

John Nallen, of Hotel Minella fame, is a master at sourcing young talent as foals, nurturing them on their journey into a point-to-point from his Lavally farm and then selling them on, hopefully for a decent profit. He bought Minella Indo and Minella Times from the same Tattersalls Ireland sale in November 2013 and ran each horse once in a point-to-point. The rest is history.