Dubai: Former champion jockey Kieren Fallon is hoping to further cement his relationship with Godolphin, whom he has credited for reviving a career that was going nowhere.
The 49-year-old Irishman is booked to ride two leading chances for Emirati handler Saeed Bin Surour at this weekend’s Epsom Derby Festival, including True Story in the British Classic on Saturday and Ihtimal in the Epsom Oaks the preceding day.
Having initially arrived in Dubai late last year with an aim to working as a freelance jockey, the six-time British champion acknowledges that the alliance he forged with Godolphin has provided his career, and image, with a much-needed boost.
During the UAE winter season, Fallon was seen riding work on many of the stable’s big-race contenders in the early hours of the morning at Al Quoz and also won two legs of the prestigious Al Maktoum Challenge series. “Towards the back end [of last year], I found it hard to get rides, and basically by going to Dubai and getting the opportunity to ride for Godolphin and trainer Saeed Bin Surour, things picked up from there,” he told BBC Radio 5.
“I ride out on the gallops now every day. When I finish riding out for Godolphin, I ride out for somebody else, until I go racing.
“It’s a rush, but I think it’s the best way to come racing, rather than getting out of bed at 12 o’clock and falling into the weighing room.”
When discussing the Fallon factor with Gulf News, Bin Surour emphasised that the decision was no insult to the capabilities of Godolphin’s retained riders Silvestre De Sousa and Mickael Barzalona.
“Fallon is one of the most experienced riders in the business today and it would be foolish not to make use of his skills in races like the Derby or the Oaks,” he said. “Epsom racecourse takes some handling, both for horse and jockey, and you would want a jockey whose experience can help him handle the challenges that the track presents.”
Fallon has conquered the Epsom track three times in the past to win Britain’s most famous race aboard Oath (1999), Kris King (2003) and North Light (2004). “It’s like horses for courses: because I’ve done so well around there over the years, I feel great, and, as anything in life, if your confidence levels are very high, you always excel and do better,” Fallon said.
“I love Epsom. When I go there, I get a buzz. Even in the week up to it, it’s exciting, and your horses can feel that, and you can get the best out of them.”
The Irish great, who has amassed 16 British Classic during his colourful career, believes that a ‘dry’ Epsom will suit his Derby hope True Story, who he rates higher than any of his previous Derby winners.
“I think he’s got a better turn of foot,” said Fallon. “My three Derby horses were more horses that lengthened than quickened. This horse can really quicken.
“We’re in a good position at the moment and couldn’t be happier with him and when we’re there we’ll relax. When you’ve got a nice horse you always worry about little things.”
True Story will bid to give Godolphin only their second success in the Derby after Lammtarra triumphed in 1995.
