Fallon takes riding honours at Goodwood

Kieren Fallon, the ante-post favourite, claimed the title of top jockey at Glorious Goodwood with victory on Gift Horse in the week’s grand finale, the Vodafone Stewards’ Cup.

Along with John Egan and Martin Dwyer, Fallon secured three victories during the five-day meeting, but histhree second places enabled him to take the title on countback.

Goodwood has not always been a happy hunting ground for Fallon, but as well as scoring on Gift Horse, he also struck aboard Afrad and Evaluator.

Fallon received his prize in a presentation from fellow riding great Lester Piggott.

“It is always nice to receive an award like this at the end of the week,” said the rider. “We might not be talking about it during the week, but the lads are always thinking about winning it.

“The racing here is always competitive and it’s been a good week, but the highlight must be winning the Stewards’ Cup.

“To come from where we were, the horse must have been a machine!”

There was, however, a minor blip on the day for Fallon as he picked up a one-day careless riding ban (August 10) after his effort on the unplaced Wise Dennis in the second race on the card.

Mark Johnston landed the title of the meeting’s top trainer with three victories, beating Gift Horse’s handler David Nicholls on countback.