Fall from grace
 By Graham Clifford
When it looked like 2006 couldn’t get any worse for one of Ireland’s
champion jockeys it duly did just that last week. Kieren Fallon was suspended
from riding in France by the French Racing Authority for six months after
the 41-year-old tested positive for taking a prohibited substance.
The ban is likely to be applied worldwide rounding off the most controversial
year in Fallon’s career.
Despite being a six times Champion Jockey Fallon has frequently hit the
headlines for all the wrong reasons throughout his career.
In 1994 he was banned for six months for violent conduct after he sensationally
pulled a fellow jockey off a horse at Beverley.
A number of years ago Fallon’s relationship with Champion trainer
Henry Cecil came to an end after tabloid stories concerning Cecil’s
wife however Kieran says he had nothing to do with these.
In unique Fallon fashion he rode the Derby and 1,000 Guineas winners and
won a race at the Breeders Cup in 2003 just months after he checked into
a clinic to deal with an alcohol problem.
Two years ago Fallon was suspended for three weeks after failing to ride
to the finish in a race at Lingfield.
Fallon’s darkest hour came this summer when he was banned from racing
in Britain on a charge of conspiracy to defraud. His racing licence will
not be returned to him until after the trial finishes which is not expected
to be until next July at the earliest. The investigation has examined
allegations of conspiracy to defraud involving more than 80 races over
two years and has been ongoing since September 2004.
After the decision was taken by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority Fallon
said: “Unless my suspension is lifted my career is in ruins as I
cannot ask owners or trainers to support me elsewhere when I am prevented
from riding in Britain.”
Fallon missed out on riding in the Breeders Cup in Kentucky this year
deciding not to pursue an application to ride in case it would be rejected.
He was also prevented from riding in this month’s Hong Kong Vase
after he was denied a licence. Fallon won the race last year riding Ouija
Board and was hoping to partner 2005 St. Ledger winner Scorpion but the
Hong Kong Jockey Club decided Fallon was not welcome.
The latest problem for Fallon means his racing options are basically restricted
to Ireland in the near future.
|
