Kieren Fallon has lodged an appeal against the ban meted out by the Ayr stewards on Thursday which has ruled the jockey out of the Vodafone Derby. The officials at Ayr found him guilty of irresponsible riding of a minor nature on third-placed Distinctive Dream in the RS Design Handicap and banned him for three days (June 9, 10 and 11).
Jockey Club public relations officer John Maxse confirmed this afternoon: "We have had an appeal lodged by Kieren Fallon. It came through this afternoon. We are trying to set up a hearing as soon as possible. Monday might come too soon. We are still waiting for transcripts of the inquiry and video footage to come down from Ayr but we will do what we can to get it on Tuesday morning."
Fallon had the choice of riding either of Sir Michael Stoute's pair, ante-post favourite Golan or Dante Stakes winner Dilshaan at Epsom. If the Jockey Club disciplinary committee's finding is the same as the Ayr stewards then the ban stays at three days. But if they rule it careless or accidental, then with accidental there would be no suspension and with careless they could make it two days which would free the rider for the Derby. (PA)
Filed by Shane Murray
