Old master Fallon swoops for 90-1 double
The six-times champion jockey has always been a force to be reckoned with at the famous Surrey track, as a record of three Derby wins and four successes in the Oaks testifies.
Absent from this meeting since 2006 due to his well-publicised problems, the 45-year-old jockey struck first on Mark Johnston’s Tartan Gigha (6-1) in the Investec Mile.
Jimmy Fortune set sail for home on favourite Set The Trend inside the final two furlongs but Fallon and Tartan Gigha, winner of the corresponding race 12 months ago and a winner on 2000 Guineas day at Newmarket, finished strongly to collect by a short head.
Johnston’s wife, Deirdre, said: “You could see him coming there with every stride and we were just willing him to get there. I am sure Kieren would tell you that he timed it to perfection!
“He has had a great season already and we will just wait and see how he is reassessed by the handicapper.”
Fallon went on to complete his brace when coming with another late run to win the Investec Challenge Handicap on Fiery Lad (12-1).
Sara Cumani, wife of winning trainer Luca, said: “He never really came to himself physically while he was in Dubai. He never pleased Luca in his condition and we don’t know why.
“We had been told that he’s a horse who doesn’t show a lot at home and that has proven to be the case.
“He’s looked fantastic though and has been training okay and we knew the track and fast pace would suit him today.
“He couldn’t be bothered to lay up early but has come through them well and I’m delighted for the owners as this is one of three horses we bought for them.”
Bushman appears to be better than ever at the age of six as he collected the biggest victory of his career in the Diomed Stakes under William Buick.
Winning a Windsor Listed race in impressive fashion on his seasonal reappearance suggested Bushman (11-1) was in decent heart, but he found another level at Epsom to beat Godolphin’s Alexandros by a neck.
Winning trainer David Simcock said: “I am delighted. He has seemed to improve this year and we’ve been a little braver regarding the ground.”
Former Johnston inmate Shakespearean made an impressive debut for Godolphin when making every yard of the running in the Surrey Stakes. Sent off at 11-4 on his first start since finishing sixth in the Racing Post Trophy, Frankie Dettori and Shakespearean stole a couple of lengths on the turn for home and the result was never in doubt thereafter.
Yaa Wayl went in pursuit inside the final furlong but it was all in vain as a clearly jubilant Dettori pushed his mount on to score by a length and three-quarters.
Godolphin’s racing manager Simon Crisford said: “That was a really good effort and he handled the track well. We might now have a look at the St James’s Palace Stakes at Ascot, but he’s well entered up.”
Philip Robinson was another jockey to use waiting tactics with success as Michael Jarvis’ Cansili Star (7-1) claimed Treadwell in the final 50 yards of the Opportunity Stakes.
