After riding 33 winners from 277 rides, promising conditional jockey Dean Coleman relinquished his licence in November 2010 saying; 'I am going through a rough stage and suffering from a lack of confidence.'
Yet it had all started so well.
His first ride had come on 25 October 2007 at Ludlow (4.30) where he rode Sungates for trainer Tim Vaughan.
His first winner came just five rides later at Chepstow on 25 July 2008. In a field of 15, he got 8/1 shot Mad Professor home by three and a half lengths in an amateur riders' handicap.
A second winner - Mister Apple's at Cheltenham that October - confirmed his promise, but it was his third win, on 16/1 shot Bella Haze at Hereford the following month, which really singled him out. He had ridden against, and beaten, professional jockeys, with the likes of A. P. McCoy, Tom Scudamore and Dougie Costello in his wake.
Dean, then claiming just 5 lbs., rode his last winner on Thursday June 3 2010.
Aboard 11/4 shot Letham Island at Uttoxeter, he stormed home by 9 lengths.
And, suddenly, it was all over.
He had ridden fifteen consecutive losers when, on 17 August, he climbed up on a horse for the last time. Am I Blue, trained by Mrs D Thomas and starting at 40/1, was not expected to win, and so it proved. Dean trailed in last and weighed in for the final time.
But the story had only just begun.
He was booked to ride the horse again at Hereford that September. Because of its recent form, Am I Blue opened up at 25/1. Within minutes it was backed down to 5/2 favourite and it was announced that Richard Johnson would ride.
Owner/trainer Delyth Thomas explained to the camera that Dean was back home not feeling well.
Another report suggested that Dean had got a puncture on the way to Hereford. Several reports surfaced that he was actually on the course.
The race itself was a procession, Richard bringing Am I Blue home the easiest of winners.
The BHA immediately looked into the affair.
Dean said that it was not a puncture, but a lack of confidence, which prevented him from riding.
Whatever the truth, a mighty gamble had been landed.
Dean said later; 'Unless you are going to be in the top ten jockeys, you are not going to make it, and I always knew that I wouldn't make the top ten.'
Trainer Tim Vaughan said; 'Dean just wasn't picking up the rides and it wasn't economically viable for him to carry on. He still works for me in the yard and is conscientious and hard working. I'm pleased to have him.'
On 18 September 2012, Dean Coleman, aged 24, was jailed for two years for driving his BMW car into his girlfriend after a row. He had persuaded Hannah Rogers to get into his car to kiss and make up and drove the 22-year-old to a beauty spot near Ogmore in South Wales.
The pair argued again and she ran away from the car - Dean reversed into her, displacing her spine. He then drove her to hospital where she spent two weeks.
At this time, Dean was on bail for intimidation and suspected arson against Michael Byrne, a fellow jockey, and he asked Hannah not to tell the police what happened.
Dean Coleman, from Bridgend, eventually admitted causing actual bodily harm, attempting to pervert the course of justice and charges of dangerous driving.
Later, speaking from Cardiff jail, Dean apologized to everyone and promised to learn a lesson from his time behind bars.
'I have had time to look back at every mistake I have made in life. I got myself in with the wrong crowd and was surrounded by alcohol and drugs. I will never go down that road again. I will prove to my family and friends that I have a bright future and will not let them down.'
