Fallon makes his dream comeback with sensational win

Kieren Fallon has a reputation for being the man for the occasion, and after a six-month spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, he re-established himself in the best possible way by sensationally winning his comeback race on Hunting Tiger at Nad Al Sheba here last evening.

The three-time English champion jockey was riding in a race for the first time since the horrific June 21 pile-up in the Ascot Stakes, where he fractured his shoulder. He received an enthusiastic reception from the large holiday crowd as he was led in to the winner's circle. A reasonably emotional Fallon acknowledged their support with a gentle wave of his whip.

"It's a relief more than anything else," he said. "It's been a long wait, but I guess it was worth it. Winning means there is less pressure on you and it makes it a lot easier when you have to go out and ride again. "But yes, it's great to back in the saddle and doing the business. I'm really liking it out here and working with Kiaran (McLaughlin). He's really helped me a lot and been simply wonderful.

Fallon's tactics won the day in the 0-60 handicap as he wasted little time in picking up the pace on Hunting Tiger once the 16-horse field entered the three furlong home stretch. Once in front McLaughlin's three-year-old moved clear of Yajree, ridden by Pat Smullen and Tajannab (Nick Cordrey), and was never troubled to win by three and a half lengths.

"He's a nice horse who has been working very well," said Fallon. "We were not hoping he would win, but we knew he'd run a good race. He seemed to have found another gear at the three furlong marker and won very readily." Commenting on Fallon's feat McLaughlin said, "It was a bit of a surprise that the horse was good enough to win. Kieren probably made all the difference. That's why he been champion jockey for three years in a row."