Fallon brings up ton on Peeress

Kieren Fallon became the first jockey to complete a century for the year when the Michael Stoute-trained Peeress won the racingpost.co.uk Fillies’ Rated Stakes at Newmarket today.

Fallon is seeking his seventh championship and his successes in 2004 on the domestic front include the two Epsom Classics, the Vodafone Derby on North Light and the Vodafone Oaks on Ouija Board.

Twenty of his wins were on the all-weather before the turf season started and they do not count in the championship race, in which he finished this afternoon’s meeting nine in front of Daryll Holland.

After receiving a rapturous reception from his legions of fans on his return to the winner’s enclosure on the 2-1 favourite, he said: “It is good to get to 100, especially on a horse owned by Cheveley Park Stud. They are very good to me and I love riding for them.

“I am fortunate to have been able to ride some very good horses again this year. I have had a few sticky patches when I have not had a winner for two or three days, but fortunately I have usually come back and had a stack.

“I had a blank day yesterday, but at least Peeress has won for me today, and it is special when you ride a winner for Cheveley Park.”

Fallon also paid tribute to his nearest pursuer Holland.

“Darryll is working very hard. He has dashed off to Southwell’s evening meeting, and if I have any hiccups along the way, he is going to pick up the pieces,” he said. “If he won the title he would deserve it.”

And he added with a smile: “It won’t be long before he wins it anyway – I won’t go on forever.”