Date of birth: 22 Feb 1965 Place of birth: Ireland Champion jockey: Six times (1997-1999, 2001-2003) English Classic wins: 10 (All except St Leger) 2003 wins: 221 2002 wins: 149 2001 wins: 166 2000 wins: 59 Main trainer: Sir Michael Stoute

Controversy has dogged Kieren Fallon's racing career, but the six-time Champion Jockey has few equals in the saddle.

He was famously handed a six-month ban for violent conduct in 1994 when he pulled a fellow jockey off a horse at Beverley.

Three years later, he was champion jockey, the first of three successive titles.

His winning run was only halted by a career-threatening shoulder injury at the 2000 Royal Ascot meeting, where he was top jockey with four wins.

On his return, Fallon was criticised for not being the force of old.

But he responded by reclaiming the champion jockey's crown in the next three seasons.

The 2001 season ended with a shock as he announced his retainer with trainer Sir Michael Stoute was to end.

It was not Fallon's first high-profile split - he had previously enjoyed a highly successful partnership with Henry Cecil, winning the Derby in 1999 on Oath.

But the pair went their separate ways after tabloid newspaper stories concerning Cecil's wife. Fallon denied any involvement.

The following year Fallon missed out on all the English Classics.

But Stoute continued to book him and Fallon did go on to enjoy several big wins, including landing his first King George and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Stakes victory on Golan.

He also guided Islington to victory in the Nassau Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks.

Fallon notches up another winner on Mazepa at Ascot in 2003

Another twist on the rollercoaster ride came in January 2003 when the County Clare-born jockey checked into a clinic to deal with a drink problem.

He came back with seemingly no ill effects, and underlined his return with victory in the 1,000 Guineas on Russian Rhythm.

He then gave Kris Kin a superb ride to take the Derby in June.

Another landmark was reached in September, when he rode his 200th winner of the year, triumphing aboard Akritas at Newmarket.

He had reached the milestone on three previous occasions -from 1997 to 1999 - and subsequently went on to claim a sixth champion jockey's title.

The critics were silent - Fallon had once again shown he was in a class of his own on the turf.

Both courageous, yet patient, he has a gift of getting the best out of his horses and his record for 2003 proved he had lost none of his toughness.

And he has repeated his success in 2004, most notably with a Oaks-Derby double on Ouija Board and North Light.

But Fallon now faces his biggest controversy to date, with the Jockey Club investigating claims of race-fixing made by the News of the World, allegations which the jockey strenously denies.