Pat Eddery has been put on stand-by to replace suspended Kieren Fallon on ante-post favourite Golan in next Saturday's Vodafone Derby. Fallon's appeal against his three-day ban will be heard on Tuesday. If the appeal is unsuccessful, 49-year-old Eddery will get a chance to win his fourth Derby.
Eddery has admitted his delight at the news of being in the frame for the Sir Michael Stoute-trained colt. "I'm very excited to get the nod for a horse that is so outstanding. The Derby is the race, of course, and I've won it three times and twice been beaten by a short head.
"So the chance of riding another likely winner of the Classic has obviously delighted me. To get the call to ride a horse like Golan is absolutely marvellous," he said.
However, Eddery has sympathy for Fallon's plight. "The circumstances surrounding the ride are unfortunate with Kieren losing the mount through suspension and I'm naturally sorry that it's happened this way.
"But I had no hesitation when I got the call. It's a great opportunity and I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said. Eddery has won the race three times on Grundy (1975), Golden Fleece (1982) and Quest For Fame (1990) and has finished second and third four times each.
Fallon had the choice of riding either of Sir Michael Stoute's pair, ante-post favourite Golan or Dante Stakes winner Dilshaan at Epsom. Officials at Ayr found him guilty of irresponsible riding of a minor nature and banned him for three days (June 9, 10 and 11).
Filed by Greg McKevitt
