Gallagher ready to seize ‘fantastic opportunity’
The Irishman is set to return to the saddle after serving an 18-month ban imposed by the Jockey Club for failing a drugs test, and he is looking forward to his new role.
“It didn’t take me long to make my mind up because it is a fantastic opportunity and gives me a chance to finish off my career the way I want to finish it,” he said.
The 35-year-old has had plenty of experience in France as he had a spell riding for owner Ecurie Zingaro and champion jumps trainer Jean-Paul Gallorini before incurring his first cocaine ban from the French authorities.
He was suspended by the Jockey Club in November 2002 for the same offence.
Gallagher feels his time spent on the continent has stood him in good stead.
“It was a wonderful experience and it gave me a lot of confidence when I came back to ride over our fences, as they are very demanding fences over there,” he said.
“You have to ride them in a certain way as they are not that easy and it took a while for the penny to drop with me, but I certainly enjoyed it.
“I always wanted, and intended, to finish my riding career over there as I really enjoyed my time there. I really like the way they ride and present their horses at fences.
“I sat down and had a long discussion with Francois on Saturday and he told me how he likes the job to be done. He wants me there not just as his rider but in a similar a role as Thierry was - assisting his father.
“He wants me to be there three or four days a week and wants me involved in the preparation of the horses before they go to the track.”
Since being forced from the saddle, Gallagher has enjoyed time as a pundit on the former attheraces TV channel and has also been educated in the training of racehorses by Richard Hannon.
He went on: “I have been working with Richard for the last 20 months, learning the trade, because when you are race-riding, especially in England, you turn up in the morning and get on the horse you want to ride and then it’s off to the races.
“You don’t really get to know about the feeding, their legs, the exercise and getting them fit, and Richard has helped me a lot. I am sure it will stand me in good stead when I go to Mr Doumen.”
Gallagher plans to have his first ride for his new employer this weekend, but is awaiting the arrival of his French licence.
“I certainly hope to be riding at Vichy this weekend,” said the jockey.
“Francois is very keen to get me over there as soon as possible and I am going back on Wednesday night to school for him on Thursday morning.
“I then plan to stay there until I ride at Vichy on Saturday, and I’ll fly back here on Sunday and prepare to move over.
“Auteuil starts on September 1, so it is all systems go. It is all happening very quickly.”
Gallagher has teamed up with his old British agent Dave Roberts, but will be represented in France by Helen Scorah.
He added: “I am back with Dave and I was actually the first ever jockey to be on his books. We have got a great working relationship and hopefully he will get me other rides when the Doumens have runners over here.
“They race in France on Sundays, so I’d like to get over here for the big meetings as well. I really enjoying riding over here and want to meet up with all of my old pals again.”
Despite his brushes with the authorities Gallagher enjoyed a successful career, with wins aboard former Doumen inmate Hors La Loi III in the 2002 Champion Hurdle and Couldnt Be Better in the 1995 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup among his highlights.
