DOB: 10.05.1970 Place of birth: Co. Cork Main trainer: Nicky Henderson & Paul Nicholls National win: Rough Quest (1996) 2000-2001 wins: 78 1999-2000 wins: 107

An articulate and witty figure, Fitzgerald makes for interesting interviews as he proved after one of his biggest successes.

The genial Irishman ensured his place among the great sporting quotes, with his frank post-race verdict after winning the 1996 Grand National at Aintree on Rough Quest.

"Sex is an anti-climax after this," Fitzgerald told Des Lynman in a BBC interview.

Fitzgerald travelled to England at the age of 18 and has gradually established himself as one of National Hunt's leading jockeys.

A retainer with the prolific Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson has reaped rich dividends.

And a second partnership, with Paul Nicholls, brought him Cheltenham Gold Cup glory in 1999 aboard See More Business.

He was leading rider at the Cheltenham Festival that year, and repeated the trick 12 months later.

Fitzgerald also appears popular with the royals, for whom he often carries the colours for Henderson.

The win on Rough Quest was the only time he has finished the National, although he has stayed until the latter stages in most outings.

The one exception came in a short-lived 1995 debut when Tinryland fell at the first.

In 2001, Fitzgerald pulled out of the world's greatest steeplechase with a last-minute injury.