Fallon takes a fall

Derby-winner Kieren Fallon came down to earth with a bump today in the French Oaks in Chantilly.

Fallon, who gave Epsom winner Kris Kin a great ride to take the premier Classic yesterday, was thrown to the turf when Time Ahead unshipped him before the start of the big race.

He remounted and the John Dunlop-trained raider was then the only filly to throw down a serious challenge to Nebraska Tornado, ridden by Richard Hughes, but the winner ran on well to succeed in the Prix de Diane Hermes.

Fallon had earlier been fined and his mount demoted after being judged guilty of causing interference in the Group Three Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord earlier on the card.

Fallon’s mount Vangelis was demoted from second place to fourth, while Christophe Soumillon’s Vahorimix finished third but was demoted to sixth. Fallon and Soumillon were both fined €1,000.

Another jockey in the wars was Frankie Dettori, who was unshipped twice, firstly when Morozov swerved left after leaving the stalls in the Grand Prix de Chantilly and then when Campsie Fells proved difficult before the Prix de Diane Hermes.

Campsie Fells reared over backwards, but fortunately the Italian was thrown clear and was able to take part in the race.