Darryl Holland Epsom Derby Profile

Darryll decided to become a professional flat jockey due to the influence of trainers Barry Hills and Geoff Wragg. His first win was riding the Barry Hills-trained Sinclair Boy, in the Warwick Spring Handicap, held at Warwick racecourse in 1990. One of the best horses Darryll has ever ridden is Annus Mirabilis, who won both the 1998 Dubai Duty Free Stakes, and Tokyo's Mainichi Okan, in 1996. Another leading flat horse was Fantastic Light, who won one of America's most sought after titles, the Breeders Cup Turf. Darryll also rode Double Trigger to victory in the 1998 Goodwood Cup.

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.

The best ride he had for the Epsom Derby was on Blues Traveller in 1993. It was a 150-1 shot and he finished third at his first Derby.

Pat Eddery is his idol and has a great deal of respect for him. Even when he was falling behind you never felt you had him beaten.