A WINNER of the Derby, Oaks, Arc and both Guineas – ‘hard as nails’ and a six-time champion jockey akin to a horse whisperer.
Kieren Fallon did it all – some of it not so good – in his legendary career.
PA:Press AssociationLegendary jockey Kieren Fallon won it all in his star-studded career including the Derby multiple times[/caption]
But now the 60-year-old, having had time to reflect on his career out of the saddle, says there are two things he cannot stand about racing today
But the iconic rider has revealed two things he simply cannot stand about watching racing today.
Fallon, now 60, was a punter’s pal during his heyday in the late Nineties and early Noughties.
Only one year out of seven, when Kevin Darley won in 2000, was he not crowned the best in Britain.
The victories and millions upon millions in prize money piled up high for the Irish rider.
And he had his own way of doing things.
Fallon didn’t like to ride hold-up style, sitting at the back and waiting for the gaps to appear with a late burst of speed.
He always preferred to be up with the pace, ensuring a true gallop and stretching out the field to give the best horse the best chance.
That partly explains one of his gripes with the way racing has gone today.
Fallon, who won the Epsom Oaks and Derby four and three times respectively, got the issue off his chest on Luck On Sunday.
Now a work rider for Godolphin’s No1 trainer Charlie Appleby, Fallon said there is one riding style he cannot stand.
Opening up on his pet peeves, Fallon, dad of current jockey Cieren, said: “I hate these false rails.
“I think, for one, it takes the art of race-riding out of it.
“Now, for a punter and from a betting point of view, they’re great because it opens up the race.
“But when they came out at first I didn’t agree with them.
“Another thing I don’t agree with is coming up the centre of the racecourse – it opens it up for everyone.
“But, if you have a bet, and your horse is in behind it gives you a lot more chance than if you stay on the rail.
“But that’s the fun and that’s the art of it.”
Fallon also opened up on what it’s like to work for Appleby.
The Southampton boy completed a Guineas double this year with Desert Flower – red-hot favourite for the Oaks – and Ruling Court winning the 1000 and 2000 Guineas respectively.
Fallon said Desert Flower is the one of the two he’d most like to ride at Epsom.
But, despite his considerable experience, he’s not allowed on the top young talent at Appleby’s Moulton Paddocks yard.
He joked: “He doesn’t let me have much to do with the two-year-olds.
“He says once you’re over 55 you can’t be riding yearlings – he’s a p***-taker, Charlie is!
“But he’s a great guy to work for, he’s fun.”
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