Fallon unsuccessful in appeal

Kieren Fallon has been unsuccessful in his appeal to the French authorities against the severity of an 18-month ban imposed for failing a drugs test last summer, according to the Independent.

However Fallon, who earlier this week confirmed he will ride out for former boss Sir Michael Stoute as he serves the suspension, remains keen to look to the future.

He said: “It would have made a big difference to be able to return to race-riding at the beginning of the season next year, rather than midway through it. But at least the uncertainty is over.

“There have been many jockeys come back from far worse situations than this. I really do believe that I can come back a stronger person,” he told the Independent.

Fallon was hit with the 18-month ban by France Galop after testing positive for a banned substance following a race at Deauville in August 2007.