The one and only Venetia: my dealings with a truly fascinating character

I like Venetia Williams. I like her because she is an excellent trainer of racehorses but I like her more because I find her a fascinating character. It is the sort of combination that appeals to me as a reporter.

In a way, I have liked Venetia (one of racing's figures who is almost always known by their first name only, like Joseph or Frankie) since I backed a horse she trained named Idole First to win at Huntingdon one December afternoon when I was sitting in a bookies rather than at school.

In a rare show of punting competence, I even backed him in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham too. The length of time since that victory and the fondness the memory of it brings shows you what sort of punter I am.