Big two neck-and-neck in title fight

Frankie Dettori briefly regained the lead in the jockeys’ title race with a 14-1 double at Yarmouth today – only for Kieren Fallon to draw level again with a success at Salisbury.

The pair are now level on 149 winners each and there is also little to choose between them in the betting, with Ladbrokes and Blue Square making Dettori their favourite to win his first championship since 1995, while William Hill and Coral go 5-6 each of two.

The Italian started the day one adrift of the reigning champion but victories on Mine Behind in the toteplacepot Sprint Handicap and on Instinct in the Thomas Prior Maiden Stakes took him to the top of the table for the first time since the middle of last month.

But six-times champion Fallon hit back with a win on Fearby Cross in the closing salisburyracecourse.co.uk Handicap.

“I’m glad I’m upsides Kieren, let’s carry on,” Dettori told At The Races.

Ladbrokes for once will be cheering for Fallon.

Spokesman Balthazar Fabricius explained: “Given that Fallon has cost us dear over the last 18 months thanks to the likes of Kris Kin, Russian Rhythm, North Light and Ouija Board, it is good to able to be cheering him for once.

“Frankie will cost us £100,000 (€146,700) if he wins.”

David Stevens of Coral added: “This race should go all the way to the wire but for now we’ll let the punters decide who they want to win.”

Flat jockeys’ championship betting:

Ladbrokes: 4-5 (from 5-6) Dettori, evens (from 5-6) Fallon.

William Hill: 5-6 Fallon (from 4-6), 5-6 Dettori (from 11-10).

Blue Square: 8-11 Dettori, evens Fallon.

Coral: 5-6 (from 4-5) Fallon, 5-6 (from evens) Dettori.