Fallon keeps his cool

Kieren Fallon maintained his innocence at the Curragh today and talked of how he was relaxed despite being charged in relation to the City Of London police investigation into alleged race-fixing.

The six-times champion jockey is one of 11 people due to make an appearance at London Magistrates’ Court tomorrow after learning of the charges two weeks ago.

And the 41-year-old is confident of clearing his name in the investigation, which has seen him banned from riding in Britain by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority.

Speaking before finishing runner-up on Red Rock Canyon in the seven-furlong maiden, Fallon said: “It is not bothering me. When I get in the stalls I switch off from it – I am used to the pressure.”

When asked if it was correct for the Irish authorities to allow him to continue riding in his homeland, he continued: “It was right to let me ride as I have done nothing wrong. A lot of innocent people have been charged before and it is only a matter of how long (before the charges are dropped).

“I am quite relaxed about it all as I know I have done nothing wrong.”

Fallon went on to demonstrte his coolness with an electric display on Alexandrova in the Darley Irish Oaks, with his second place in the maiden the closest he came to another winner.

He received the public backing of Aidan O’Brien last Friday and the Ballydoyle maestro again supported Fallon, praising his caring nature.

Speaking after Fallon nursed Red Rock Canyon home, he said: “You want horses to come back and enjoy their racing next time.

“Racing in England, France and Ireland is all about improving horses and bringing them along.”