The turf season is now well under way and the jockeys have all returned from their winter breaks.

Some stay at home and ride on the all-weather while others venture around the globe in their quest for success.

The top jockeys are obviously eyeing the championship. But last season was cut short for two of the main contenders, with Kieren Fallon having a nasty fall at Ascot, which put him out for the remainder of the season, and Frankie Dettori being injured in the tragic plane crash at Newmarket.

Because of the injuries to those two great jockeys, I don't think 41-year-old Kevin Darley received the recognition he deserved in taking the championship.

It was a great feat on his behalf in bringing the crown to the north for the first time since Elijah Wheatley in 1905.

I feel this year's championship is going to be a great battle between the top four - Fallon, Darley, Richard Quinn and Dettori. This is how I see it.

Dettori has hinted since the accident that he wants to enjoy life more and spend more time with his family. He'll ride plenty of winners - 120/140 - but I can't see him taking the championship despite having Godolphin and David Loder behind him.

Quinn has the great Henry Cecil stable behind him and has got off to a great start. He will ride plenty of winners - 140/150 - but I can't see him taking the championship.

Darley will be all out to prove it was no fluke. With Mark Johnston horses boosting his chances, he'll be favourite if the others slip up. A credit to his profession, he thoroughly deserved last year's glory. He'll be around the 150-winner mark.

Fallon, barring injury and with Michael Stoute, Ian Balding and plenty of contacts with other yards, can ride a double century again.

That will be enough to give one of the best jockeys in the world another championship.

Whoever wins, the jockeys all agree that the best racing is in the UK.

After watching some of the foreign racing on SIS and the Racing Channel recently from South Africa and US, it's been a stark reminder that our sport is unsurpassed.

It's just a shame the prize money isn't also the best!

Last week's column advised a wager in the Lincoln on Nimello to win and Mastermind each way. Nimello won at 9-2 with Mastermind fourth at 14-1.

Two horses to watch in the future weeks from the Lincoln are Espada, who was well-supported and ran well to finish 11th from a bad draw of 20, and Swan Night, who stayed on well over an inadequate trip.

Keep an eye on him over a mile and a quarter plus.

Column published : 31/03/2001