Fallon granted licence to ride in Melbourne

FRESH life has been breathed into the Melbourne Cup ante-post market following the confirmation that Kieren Fallon will be allowed to partner Yeats in the famous race.

Riding arrangements had not been finalised for the Ascot Gold Cup winner, who currently heads William Hill’s market as the 7-1 favourite, but the Australian authorities yesterday approved Fallon’s application for a licence.

The bookmaking firm have unsurprisingly reported a major surge in interest in Aidan O’Brien’s charge for the Flemington feature, following the news that Fallon is free to take the reins on November 7.