Johnny Murtagh

Born: 14 May 1970 Nationality: Irish Height: 5ft 6" English Classic wins: 3 (2 x Derby, 2,000 Guineas) 2003 wins: 65 (Ireland) 2002 wins: 75 (Ireland) 2001 wins: 78 (Ireland) 2000 wins: 66 (Ireland)

Murtagh has established a reputation as a big-race jockey and his haul includes three English Classics.

His best season to date came in 2000, when he landed 12 Group One races, including the Derby and the Arc on Sinndar.

But 2002 almost matched that when he won the 2,000 Guineas on Rock Of Gibraltar and the Derby on High Chaparral - both of which were spare rides.

Murtagh had a long association with Irish trainer John Oxx, with whom he was champion apprentice.

But weight problems triggered him quitting his job as Oxx's stable jockey at the end of the 2003 season.

He is still based in Ireland where he rides freelance but an association with Newmarket trainer David Loder, which began at the beginning of the 2004 season ended after just three months.

Q&A: Johnny Murtagh on the Derby

This latest chapter for Murtagh comes after a turbulent career, which first came under threat when he lost his position with Oxx in 1992 after being cautioned over allegations he tried to cheat at the scales.

He went into a steep decline, lubricated by the bottle, and spent time out of the sport.

But the Meath-born jockey bounced back, and with the renewed support of Oxx and owner-breeder, the Aga Khan, was Irish champion jockey in 1995, 1996 and 1998.

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Johnny Murtagh - Q&A

Favourite horse you have ridden? Sinndar in the 2000 Derby, without a doubt. Trained by John Oxx, he was a superb ride, both in the Derby and the Arc later that year.

Toughest opponent? Mick Kinane - the man has no weaknesses.

Childhood hero? I never had a particular hero growing up. I tried to take bits from all the great jockeys, Steve Cauthen, Pat Eddery, Walter Swinburn - and of course the greatest of them all - Ray Cochrane! (Johnny's agent)

Best memory of riding in the Derby? Your first win is always the best - so it's Sinndar - but my second in 2002 on High Chaparral was special too, particularly in the way we achieved it.

What horse would you have liked to have ridden at the Derby? I've ridden the best horse ever to race at the Derby - Sinndar.

Superstitions? No superstitions, but I might say a prayer before I head out.

Pre-race build-up? I'll get there early, have a look around the track. Then I'll have a sauna and hang around in the jockey's room having a chat.

If you don't win, who would you like to see win? Frankie Dettori - he hasn't won it yet and he's a good friend of mine.

How would you celebrate if you won? I'll head out to dinner win or lose!