up-and-coming jockey Christy McGrath made his debut under racing rules as a conditional rider in July 1999.

He travelled from Ireland and rode Red Fey in a bumper at Worcester that month. Within four weeks, he had left Ireland to settle at Brancepeth Manor Farm, Brancepeth Farm, near Durham, the yard of permit-holder Norman Mason.

Mr Mason is among the most successful permit-holders in the country, and last year fielded runner Red Marauder in the Grand National.

It was at this yard that McGrath, the second youngest of five children, and his brother, Larry, shared a flat. His teacher was assistant trainer Richard Guest, or "Guestie".

The teaching appeared to be paying off. McGrath rode Red Fey again at Sedgefield, and had his first winner last February, riding Brancepeth Belle in the Bradling House Conditional Jockeys Selling Handicap Hurdle, at Newcastle.

He then rode the Edwin Tuer-trained James the First to victory in the Black Bottle Novices Selling Handicap Hurdle, at Perth, three months later.

It brought an end to a three- year gap without success for that horse.

With promise and talent showing in abundance, it was no wonder that Mr Guest would be disappointed when the time came for his pupil to leave.

He said that McGrath was always well-behaved and punctual and had had a few good rides. He described the outcome as a "very sad story".

When McGrath was given three months' notice at the yard, he offered to work, but Mr Guest said that it would not be necessary as the yard was not busy.

But McGrath insisted on working a month's notice before he returned to Ireland.

He had become increasingly homesick and had decided to return following a visit to his home in Carrick-on-Suir, in County Tipparerey.

Larry was convinced that his brother was depressed, because his weight had ballooned to 11st 5lbs.

Since he has been remanded in custody at Holme House Prison, Stockton, McGrath has received the support of his brother and family. He receives regular Timeform books, which he has been studying.

Larry has been a regular prison visitor, keeping him up-to-date with developments in the case, although his own life has been affected. He has had only three rides this season, including one winner at Musselborough, in December.

Parents Christy and Ann, who arrived in the North-East from Ireland the week before the trial, were inundated with offers of help with money for flights and accommodation. They were politely declined