RACING: Kieren Fallon has admitted to having a problem with alcohol and that he is undergoing a 30-day programme at a treatment centre in Ireland.

The 37-year-old, who clinched the jockeys' championship for a fifth time in November with 151 winners, has revealed that he will never drink again after alcohol was affecting his career as well as his family life.

"Last season I rode 150 winners but my heart wasn't in it as it was before. Had I got stale? Had I got lazy? I was wasting these years. I realised alcohol was taking the enjoyment away and, for me, the important thing was to recognise this before it got too late."

The only time Fallon missed out on the title in the last six years was in 2000 when he suffered a serious shoulder injury in a fall at Royal Ascot which threatened to end his career. He was sidelined for six months.

Fallon, who is married to former jockey Julie Bowker and with whom he has three children, wants to rediscover the passion that has seen him get to the top of a highly-competitive profession.

"I want to be excited about going racing again," he said. "Excited about riding horses. Rather than seeing it as work, which it had become.

"When I am giving it my best shot, I am happy. I am looking forward to this season like I have never looked forward to a season in my life.

"I believe I will be a much better jockey and I want to be a better person."

Fallon has the backing of his boss, trainer Michael Stoute, who told him: "I know why you're doing this. It's the right thing in every way."

Fallon's amazing drive has seen him achieve a tremendous amount of success with five British Classic victories and a host of other major races.