Fallon focusing on the future

Kieren Fallon is looking forward to the rest of the season after making a winning return from a six-month suspension.

The 42-year-old, a six-times champion jockey in Britain, was suspended by the French authorities last December after testing positive for a metabolite of a prohibited substance.

However, Fallon showed he retains his winning touch when partnering The Bogberry to a narrow success in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Race at Tipperary.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained colt looked in trouble turning for home in the extended seven-furlong contest but once Fallon found a clear run down the outside, the 4-7 favourite hit top gear.

The Bogberry just got up to see off Rainbow Crossing by a neck with Fallon having enough in hand to ease up slightly in the shadow of the post.

Fallon had been applauded into the parade ring before the race and he also received a warm welcome from spectators as he returned to unsaddle.

“They (the crowd) are unbelievable over here and it gives me confidence knowing they are behind me,” he said.

“I like this horse and have been riding him all winter and he’s one of my favourite horses in the yard.

“Things didn’t go to plan as we got caught behind two horses but the reception we got was great.

“I haven’t missed much of the season and I have always said the season really starts at Epsom so I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.”

Fallon could not make it a double as Flying Cheetah (6-1) failed to sparkle in the Knockanglass Stables Handicap, eventually finishing last of the 18 runners.

The five-furlong contest was won by 10-1 shot Fly By Magic, who just pipped Lilly Be by a short head.