Racing: Fallon has treatment for alcohol problem

The turbulent career of Britain's multiple champion Flat jockey Kieren Fallon has hit another set of rocks with the news that he has spent 2003 so far drying out at a treatment centre in his native south of Ireland. But it may be the storm before the calm; Fallon, 37, has vowed not to drink again after admitting that over-indulgence in alcohol was affecting both his career and family life.

One of the country's leading bookmaking firms, however, is not to re-open betting on the jockeys' title, for which reigning champion Fallon was hot favourite, until the result of the Irishman's endeavours with his demons is clearer. William Hill suspended its book earlier this month after a rash of support for rival jockeys Richard Hughes, Kevin Darley, Seb Sanders and Darryll Holland.

Fallon, who lives near Newmarket with his wife Julie and their three young children, is no stranger to controversy. The downs in his life include a six-month ban for violent conduct nine years ago for trying to pull a fellow-jockey off his horse, being sacked by leading trainer Henry Cecil, assorted libel suits (he won against the now-defunct Sporting Life, after being accused of cheating; one against a Sunday paper is pending), and an horrific fall at Royal Ascot two years ago in which he almost lost an arm.

On the up side have been a Derby victory on Oath and his five championships, the steel he showed to recover from that Ascot accident and his sublime talent. Most competent riders can win on a horse if it is the best one; Fallon, who has extraordinary strength to go along with the usual qualities of rhythm, balance, sympathy and race vision, is one of very few jockeys who can make a difference.

Fallon has been backed by his chief employer, Sir Michael Stoute, for whom he produced a vintage display on Golan to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot in July.

For jockeys since time immemorial, physical stresses have gone with the territory and the necessity of maintaining an artificially low body-weight alongside physical fitness can lead to mental imbalance. Most famously, 19th century sporting hero Fred Archer shot himself at the age of 29 in a fit of depression brought on by wasting.

More recently Terry Biddlecombe, Bobby Beasley, Steve Cauthen and Walter Swinburn have overcome alcohol problems and last year jump rider Timmy Murphy spent six months in jail after a drunken assault on an air stewardess. Since the modern development of competitive global racing at the highest level, on circuits in Europe, North America, Hong Kong, Japan and Dubai, the top Flat men can earn huge sums, but it means a year-long treadmill, often with attendant socialising.

Fallon is due to finish his 30-day course by the end of the month. "I am looking forward to this season like I have never looked forward to a season in my life," Fallon said. "I believe I will be a much better jockey and I want to be a better person."