HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Nancy Knott is not only the trainer of Navy Seal, who defends his title Saturday in the $150,000 Nodouble Breeders’ Stakes at Oaklawn Park. She’s also his groom, exercise rider, masseuse, goat, psychiatrist, butler, and maid. “I mean, everything you can think of, that’s what I am for him,” chuckled Knott. Navy Seal is the lone horse Knott has in training, and she’s made the most of the opportunity given to her by owner Lighthouse Racing. Navy Seal was the second-leading earner among Arkansas-breds in 2025, trailing only Haulin Ice, according to statistics provided by the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Horsemen’s Association. Last year, Navy Seal made eight starts and won twice, was second four times, and third two times for earnings of $258,550. “He’s super competitive,” Knott said. “Last year, he was one-two-three the whole year. I’m super proud of that for him – and me! He made me look good.” :: Live racing action at Oaklawn Park! DRF Past Performances and Picks are available now. The Nodouble is a six-furlong race for 3-year-olds and up bred in Arkansas. The field of eight includes Bohemian Bo, who is a threat to pull a wire job, and Lochmoor, a stakes winner and half-brother to Navy Seal. Knott is dedicated to Navy Seal. The 8-year-old is an eccentric type of horse around the barn, and Knott has made every effort imaginable to keep him happy. He does not care for horses passing by his stall, so a cone in front of it keeps hotwalkers safe at bay. Navy Seal also has disdain for people talking on speakerphone within earshot of his stall. “It drives him nuts to no end,” said Knott. So she works to keep Navy Seal calm and occupied with all kinds of tricks of the trade. In and around his stall he has a stuffed toy, two jolly balls, a mirror, strategically placed haynets and water buckets, two fans and a sunlamp for when temperatures drop. One of his owners also sent him toys for his stall and his washrack – a hanging avocado and flamingo. “He’s got the Taj Mahal stall,” quipped Knott, who gets Navy Seal out to graze twice a day. On the track, Navy Seal is all business. The career earner of $679,744 will break from post 4 under Julien Leparoux. “He’s best if you break, and let the speed go, and ask him at the end,” said Knott, a former jockey who now owns an equine massage therapy business. “He gives you 100 percent every time. He loves to come get them. “He’s very competitive. He loves to run. He loves his job. In the morning, if a horse is up ahead of him, he wants to go get them. He’s just super competitive. It’s game on all the time.” Knott has trained Navy Seal for about five years and savors every minute of their time together. “Navy has made it a thrill,” she said. ◗ Trainer Jinks Fires will be the keynote speaker during the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Horsemen’s Association’s annual banquet on April 3, said Terri Hoffrogge, executive director of the ATBHA. The banquet will also recognize the state’s leading breeders and runners from 2025. It will be held in the event center at Oaklawn. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.