Kieren Fallon's attempt to save his ride on favourite Golan in Saturday's Vodafone Derby met with defeat and disappointment yesterday, and Pat Eddery will now take the ride on the Newmarket 2,000 Guineas winner.
The Jockey Club disciplinary committee threw out Fallon's appeal against a three-day ban imposed by the Ayr stewards last week, consigning the former champion to the sidelines on British Flat racing's biggest day.
The committee ordered Fallon's £400 deposit to be forfeited, a sign that the Clareman was clutching at straws in hoping that he could have the ban overturned, or have the offence downgraded to be worth two days, which would have allowed him to ride in the Derby under the exemption clause which governs Group One races.
Fallon said little as he brushed through waiting reporters and photographers after the 90-minute hearing at the Jockey Club's London headquarters.
Ask how the proceedings went, Fallon muttered: "Not very good...no good."
Fallon's ban covers the three days racing from Saturday to next Monday, and he is free to ride the favourite Flight Of Fancy for Sir Michael Stoute in the Oaks on Friday.
Golan's stable-companion Dilshaan could be in line for a £1million bonus if he wins the Derby. The colt put himself on course for the payout after winning the Racing Post Trophy last October.
The bonus is payable to any horse successful in the Racing Post Trophy, the Derby and the St Leger.
Johnny Murtagh will ride Dilshaan while Craig Williams has been booked for outsider King Carew.
Richard Hughes partners Perfect Sunday, on whom he made all the running to land the Derby trial at Lingfield last month, and similar tactics could be employed on Saturday.
"I'll just bounce him out handy and if they run quick I'll let them go but if I could get a soft lead in front it would be perfect," he said.
EPSOM DERBY BETTING
WILLIAM HILL: 2-1 Golan, 5-2 Galileo, 7-2 Dilshaan, 7-1 Perfect Sunday, 12-1 Putra Sandhurst, 14-1 Storming Home, 16-1 Chancellor, Tobougg, 251 Mr Combustible, 40-1 Wareed, 100-1 Ice Dancer, Sunny Glenn, 200-1 Cashel Bay, King Carew.
CORAL EUROBET: 2-1 Golan, 5-2 Galileo, 4-1 Dilshaan, 7-1 Perfect Sunday, 10-1 Putra Sandhurst, 14-1 Chancellor, 16-1 Storming Home, 20-1 Tobougg, Mr Combustible, 25-1 Wareed, 66-1 Ice Dancer, 80-1 Sunny Glenn, 125-1 King Carew, 250-1 Cashel Bay.
LADBROKES: 9-4 Golan, Galileo, 9-2 Dilshaan, 71 Perfect Sunday, 12-1 Putra Sandhurst, 14-1 Storming Home, 16-1 Chancellor, Tobougg, 25-1 Mr Combustible, 33-1 Wareed, 66-1 Ice Dancer, 100-1 Sunny Glenn, 150-1 King Carew, 200-1 Cashel Bay.
O'Brien three at Chantilly
A strong overseas contingent was responsible for half the 20 acceptors for Sunday's French Oaks, the Prix de Diane, at yesterday's initial acceptance stage for the Chantilly race.
Imagine, Aidan O'Brien's Irish 1,000 Guineas winner and leading Epsom Oaks fancy, is one of the Ballydoyle trainer's three acceptors. The others are Snowflake and Fantasy Royale.
Six of the British acceptors are also engaged in the Epsom Classic on Friday. They are Relish The Thought, Tarfshi, Najah, Time Away, and the Ed Dunlop pair Mot Juste and Candice.
Although Time Away "in all probability" heads to Chantilly according to a spokesman for John Dunlop. Pat Eddery has been booked to ride.
Mick Channon's Arhaaf, the Lupe Stakes second, is the seventh British acceptor. The home defence currently includes the first three home in the main trial, the Prix SaintAlary, Nadia, Mare Nostrum and Choc Ice.
