Top jockey Cieren Fallon has appealed a ban imposed on him by Australian stewards following his big race win on Lake Forest in the Golden Eagle last weekend.
Cieren Fallon Ban Appealed After Golden Eagle Success
After producing one of the ride’s of the year aboard the William Haggas-trained Lake Forest, Fallon was called into the stewards room due to ‘careless riding’.
Fallon was found to have caused interference in the final stages (see below) of the A$10 million race where Lake Forest won by half a length with French raider behind in second.
Haggas’ charge came from the clouds to claim an almighty victory in Sydney during the early hours of the morning, but jockey Fallon may now have to pay a price for it. It was a special win for the No Nay Never colt, with the best horse racing betting sites pricing him as an 18/1 shot before the off.
WATCH: Cieren Fallon Wins Golden Eagle On Lake Forest
What Sanctions Is Cieren Fallon Facing?
Following the stewards inquiry, Fallon was given a six-figure fine of A$100,000 (£51,000/€61,295) and banned from riding for a month.
However, Fallon has now appealed the ban after originally pleading guilty to the charge during the stewards inquiry.
Cieren Fallon Says Ban Is ‘Horrendous and Stupid”
Speaking on the matter, Fallon felt the sanction was excessive. “We’ve lodged the paperwork for an appeal and a lawyer based in Australia has kindly taken it on for us,” he said. “We’re waiting to hear back from the in terms of when the appeal will be heard, so it’s ongoing at the moment. It’s the punishment that we’re appealing against.”
“The (stewards) hearings are similar to here but at the end they ask if you are guilty or not guilty. Yes, I am guilty of interference but the punishment is way too large – it’s ridiculous, it’s horrendous and I think it’s a bit stupid.”
