Riders' associations say more jockeys are prepared to seek help

Professional Jockeys Association chief executive Paul Struthers pointed to further evidence on Tuesday that riders suffering from mental health issues are increasingly willing to take up available support and suggested Kieren Fallon's retirement announcement had already encouraged at least one person to seek help.

Fallon revealed he had brought down the curtain on his glittering riding career on Monday in order to receive treatment for severe depression that Turf Club medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick believes had gone undiagnosed for years.

Although British jockeys have been able to access a confidential mental health helpline since last summer – similar to the one provided to all the sport's workforce by Racing Welfare – no such facility has been available to their counterparts in Ireland.