Fallon suspended and facing further investigation

Champion jockey Kieran Fallon was today given a 21-day suspension by the Jockey Club over his riding of Ballinger Ridge at Lingfield…

Champion jockey Kieran Fallon was today given a 21-day suspension by the Jockey Club over his riding of Ballinger Ridge at Lingfield last Tuesday.

The race caused a storm of controversy after Fallon was caught and beaten a short head after easing down when well clear.

He was found to be in breach of racing's rules in that he failed to ride out for first place, and the matter was referred on to the Jockey Club as unusual betting patterns were reported before the event by exchange firm Betfair.

A 21-day ban is the maximum under current Jockey Club rules for a riding offence of this nature.

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The winner, Rye, started the 8-11 favourite, while Ballinger Ridge went off at 15-8.

A separate investigation continues into "unusual betting" patterns before the race, but the Jockey Club has dismissed further allegations that it is currently investigating a widespread "betting scam" among jockeys.

The 21-day ban was agreed at the racing regulator's monthly meeting today, according to Mr Stewart-Moore.

He said: "We have now made formal admission of a breach and it is called non-wilful breach of rule 156, which I think is not riding a horse out to the finish line.

"I have given him my advice; he has taken my advice and he is agreeing to 21 days' suspension.

"He is in the country and he sounded well and he is ready to deal with the Jockey Club inquiry."

Fallon himself flew back into Britain from Malaga today, and was immediately involved in a fracas with the media at Stansted Airport.

He made a dash to the airport exit and a waiting car to get away from a scrum of reporters, press photographers and TV crews.

Airport officials said the jockey was aware of the media pack waiting for him, but was reluctant to leave the international arrivals area of the airport.