DARLEY PRESENTED WITH CHAMPIONSHIP

Kevin Darley was finally crowned champion Flat jockey for 2000 at Doncaster on Saturday.

He was presented with a silver salver by fellow rider George Duffield.

And the popular jockey, who completed a last-day double to take his final tally to 152 winners for the turf season, was given a rousing reception by weighing-room collegues and racegoers alike,

Afterwards Darley said: 'If you`d told me 15 years ago I`d be in this situation I wouldn`t have believed you.

'But in the last six or seven years I`ve been very lucky, I`ve had lots of support and have been fortunate enough to have ridden plenty of winners.

'I`ve been in front since May but I didn`t feel any presure until about two weeks` ago.

'I didn`t want to let it slip away and have been going anywhere to keep it going and ride winners.

'I just hope I can keep it going next year.'

The Staffordshire-born rider is the first northern-based jockey to win the title in 95 years.

'Obviously it is very important for the north,' he added.

'Everywhere I have gone people have given me their good wishes.'

Darley flew last night to Australia where he will take the ride aboard Martin Pipe`s Far Cry in the Foster`s Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.

'I spoke to Mr Pipe this morning and he is very happy,' Darley said.

'He said the horse is absolutely bouncing and I`m looking forward to the experience.'