Racing week: Fallon’s appeal rejected
The Horseracing Regulatory Authority (HRA) has rejected Kieren Fallon’s appeal against being banned from race riding in Britain. Fallon was banned from racing in Britain last week after being charged as part of a police investigation into alleged race fixing.
Fallon claimed that the ban, which will last until after his trial for the charge of conspiracy to defraud, was denying him his right to earn a living, and that it would effectively end his career as a leading jockey. The trial is not expected to begin until Spring 2007 at the earliest. However, the HRA ruled that Fallon should not be involved in racing pending his trial on the basis that any such involvement would be detrimental to the best interests of racing.
In a statement released through his solicitors Fallon said he was “deeply disappointed” by the HRA’s refusal to allow him to race. “I will take the matter to the High Court, and beyond if necessary, to reinstate my rights to earn a living in the UK and participate in the sport that I love.”
Trainer Alan Berry, who has also been charged as part of the same police investigation, has had his suspension lifted on appeal and will be allowed to continue to train and race horses while he awaits trial.
14-day ban for champion jockey
Jamie Spencer has been dealt a severe blow in his attempt to retain his championship crown after being handed a 14-day ban for careless riding. Spencer was 19 winners adrift of Ryan Moore when the ban was issued, leaving it a near impossible feat for Spencer to claw his way back to the top.
Bad news for Barbaro
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Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, who had initially been recovering well following surgery to a broken bone sustained in the Preakness, has taken a serious turn for the worse. He has undergone repeated surgery on his off-hind following complications and has now developed severe laminitis in his near-hind. The vets overseeing his treatment are describing his chances of recovery as “poor”.
Sue Smith loses stable jockey
Successful jump jockey Dominic Elsworth has decided to go freelance in a move that allows him to ride for other trainers but leaves Sue Smith, wife of former international show jumper Harvey, without a stable jockey, reports the Racing Post. Elsworth has ridden 192 winners for Smith during his career. The split is described as amicable and Smith said that she intended to continue offering Elsworth rides.
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Carol is an experienced journalist and editor, who is also a passionate amateur rider and dedicated horse owner, having ridden since childhood. She has a particular interest in the emotional well-being and ethical training of horses, alongside veterinary matters, having garnered extensive first-hand experience of numerous equine health conditions through more than 30 years of horse ownership.