Long queue for Fallon’s rides
Later this year, he will head to London to face criminal charges for defrauding Betfair punters.
Until those charges are resolved, he is banned from riding in Britain. Fallon is also banned from riding everywhere else as well, having tested positive for a prohibited substance in France last year. The penalty imposed was six months and he won’t be able to resume riding, although obviously not in Britain, until June 7.
Among the major races he will miss are the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, the Irish and French 2000 and 1000 Guineas and the French Derby.
Fallon rode out a number of lots at Ballydoyle yesterday morning. Said O’Brien: “Except for a couple of weeks, Kieren has been here all winter. It is keeping him fit and out of trouble.”
Inevitably, O’Brien’s thoughts have been on Fallon’s replacement(s), both domestically and internationally.
"We have Seamus (Heffernan), Colm (O’Donoghue) Sean (Levey) and Amelia (Hegarty) here at home,” said O’Brien.
“I don’t think we have ever had more jockeys at our disposal. We will use the best available and they include Mick Kinane, Johnny Murtagh and Pat Smullen.
“And just the other day Christophe Soumillon rang and said he would like to ride for us. His only commitment is to his Highness, the Aga Khan. We’d be delighted to use him.
“They are all great jockeys and some jockeys suit different horses. Our big job here is to try and find classic horses. If you find the horses, you will find the jockeys!”
