Date of birth: 20 August 1974 Place of birth: Co Kildare Main trainers: Paul Nicholls, Mark Pitman and Michael Hourigan 2002-03 wins: 42 2001-02 wins: 98 2000-01 wins: 54 1999-00 wins: 64

The 2001-02 season season looked like being the best of Murphy's career, but ended as the worst year of his life.

He had 98 winners and would doubtless have made his century but for an alcohol-fuelled incident on a plane that saw him sentenced to six months in prison for indecently assaulting a flight attendant.

It was the ultimate low in a turbulent career that began with Murphy working weekends for Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer Noel Chance while still a schoolboy.

Having been around horses all his life - his father was a former leading Irish amateur - it came as no surprise when he became Irish amateur champion.

Son outstripped father under the guidance of Michael Hourigan before going on to base himself in Britain.

And although he still rides some of Hourigan's stable, most notably Beef or Salmon, his principal trainers are now Paul Nicholls and Mark Pitman.

A 1999 Hennessy Gold Cup win on Ever Blessed for Mark Pitman and four wins in a day at Sandown were highlights on the track.

As were his National runners-up spot on Smarty in 2001 which was followed by victory in the Irish equivalent with David's Lad.

On his release from prison Murphy vowed never to touch alcohol again and was soon back in the saddle.

If he sticks to his promise, his undoubted natural riding talent should ensure much better times ahead.