'But for his problems Timmy Murphy could have been one of the all-time greats'

On his day Timmy Murphy was one of the best riders around. But for well-publicised problems early in his career he could be retiring as one of the all-time greats.

A prison sentence came right after his first Grade 1 win on Armaturk in 2002 and cost him the Paul Nicholls job in the time of See More Business and Azertyuiop. Ruby Walsh replaced him and along came a raft of superstars.

That he rode a further 19 winners at the highest level after that sort of setback was a testament to his riding talent, as was a final tally of 1,250 jumps winners in Britain and Ireland, bettered only by ten others.