Fallon facing wait for inquiry date

It could be weeks before the Jockey Club is able to set a date for an inquiry into the race Kieren Fallon lost in controversial circumstances at Lingfield Park yesterday.

The security department is carrying out investigations after Ballinger Ridge was beaten into second place in the betdirect.co.uk Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

Fallon eased his mount down in the straight and was collared by Rye in the shadow of the post.

Unusual betting patterns were reported before the race, so the stewards had no option but to refer the matter to Portman Sqaure for further investigation.

“There has been no inquiry date set because it will take a bit of time to check all the betting patterns,” said Jockey Club spokesman Owen Byrne.

“Some investigations carried out by the security department never end up in an inquiry. If the investigation does not turn up enough evidence, for example, then no inquiry will be held.

“In this case, though, there will definitely be a meeting of the disciplinary panel over the dropping of hands as it is a riding offence.”