A cocaine smuggler's grim influence, Fallon in the dock and Al Zarooni's fall from grace - it's the century's most shocking stories

Perspective is easily lost when it comes to news. Memories can be short and reporters are quick to move on to the next thing. So here's our rundown of the most amazing stories from British and Irish racing over the first quarter of this century. Perhaps there's a useful reminder or two in the mix, or perhaps it will help to set our present problems in context.

We only have space to discuss ten of these jaw-dropping moments but material exists for a longer list. The sudden rise and disappearance of Phoenix Thoroughbreds might easily have made the cut, as could Michael O'Leary's split with Willie Mullins, a rift which has since healed. 

Two turbulent sets of whip-rule revisions were considered, along with Christophe Soumillon elbowing Rossa Ryan off his horse in mid-race and quite a few other garish headlines.