'I've seen him grow phenomenally in confidence, professionalism and ability' - how Charlie Appleby rose from team member to team leader

It is perfectly possible that by the end of this week, Godolphin will have won all four Classics staged in Britain this year. Both the Guineas have been plundered and the two Newmarket champions now head to Epsom. For Sheikh Mohammed's racing behemoth, the British season has started in spectacular fashion. Much of the credit for that must go to Charlie Appleby.

The master of Moulton Paddocks is not someone who seeks out the limelight but the horses he trains keep returning him to it. Appleby is the long-time team member who ended up as leader of that team. He has risen through the ranks to become a dual champion trainer, one who on Saturday could secure his third Derby triumph. People admire him for all he has achieved but also for all that he is.

Twelve years have passed since Appleby was suddenly thrust into the hottest of hot seats. British racing was rocked in the spring of 2013 when Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni was found guilty of doping 15 thoroughbreds with anabolic steroids. For the sport it was shocking. For Godolphin it was mortifying, yet they still had a stable full of horses in need of someone to train them. Appleby, who had been serving as Al Zarooni's assistant when the volcano erupted, was quickly identified as the ideal person for that job.