IN the middle of a Press conference in front of the world's media, Richard Guest's mobile rang. Quick as a flash, he answered: "Richard Guest, National-winning jockey".

This was his moment in the spotlight and no one was going to deny him it.

Three years ago, it was all so different. After repeated run-ins with racing officialdom, he quit the sport he loves.

The final straw came at Perth, Scotland, where he was found to be in breach of the non-triers rules by stewards and suspended for three months. He was so furious, he threw in his riding licence.

He was rescued from self-imposed exile by County Durham horse owner/trainer Norman Mason, who approached him to take up the position of assistant trainer/ jockey at his Brancepeth Manor Farm stables, near Durham City.

Guest, 35, agreed and it was to be the start of a partnership which would culminate at the winning post at Aintree.

Mason has given most of the credit for Red Marauder's victory to Guest.

"This would never have happened without Richard. He is a miracle worker and I don't know where I would be without him," he said.

"Richard is called the assistant but really he's the trainer - he does almost everything."

Guest admitted he will be bitter "until the day I die" over his racing ban.

But he said it was the same racing style that took him to National glory that got him punished by the racing authorities.

"They kept banning me for being too easy on horses. Now, perhaps, they might ban me for that (winning the Grand National)," he said.