Darryll Holland

Born: 14 June 1972 Nationality: English Height: 5ft 4" British Classic wins: 0 2003 wins: 158 2002 wins: 112 2001 wins: 105 2000 wins: 78

Holland has bags of ambition and stamina and has gradually emerged to be one of the UK's leading jockeys.

The Mancunian is yet to land a domestic Classic but had six Group One wins in 2003 including three on Falbrav.

A freelance jockey, he regularly rides for Luca Cumani, Geoff Wragg and Mark Johnston among others.

Nicknamed "Dazzler" in his younger flashier days, Holland has had plenty to smile about recently, having enjoyed 100+ winners for the past three seasons.

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Darryll Holland - Q&A

Favourite horse you have ridden at the Derby? Blues Traveller in 1993. It was a 150-1 shot and I finished third at my first Derby. We rounded the corner at the top and we were in front - it was very exciting.

Toughest opponent? Pat Eddery. I've got a great deal of respect for him. Even when he was falling behind you never felt you had him beaten - a great jockey.

Childhood hero? Steve Cauthen. He was stable jockey at Barry Hills' yard when I arrived there as a young whippersnapper. I learnt a lot from him.

Best memory of riding in the Derby? On Blues Traveller - you always remember your first Derby.

Worst memory? Probably in 2003 aboard on Let Me Try Again. It's safe to say we will be trying again as we got absolutely murdered!

Which horse would you most liked to have ridden in the Derby? Generous - travelled really well and very easy for a jockey.

Superstitions? None - what happens happens. No pre-race ritual will change that.

Pre-race build-up? Not a lot. The weighing room is very subdued before the big race - utterly different to any other day as a jockey.

If you don't win, who would you like to see triumph? Nobody - I want to win!

How would you celebrate if you won? With my close family and friends - I'm quite a private person. That said, I think it would take about a week to sink in.