He reached the peak of his career by claiming the champion jockey title in the year 2000 with 155 wins, while title holder Kieren Fallon was out injured.

Despite riding seven more winners in 2001, he had to settle for second behind Fallon.

Darley was born in Staffordshire, served his apprenticeship with Reg Hollinshead and rode his first winner, Dust Up, at Haydock on his 17th birthday.

He has clocked up most of his big race victories in recent years, with a French Derby win on Celtic Swing in 1995 among the highlights.

Darley was the top jockey here for the past two seasons but was edged out this year by Mick Kinane.

However, the English jockey did have three winners, the most high profile of which was his victory on Smirk in the William Hill Mile.