Fallon to miss Derby as ban is upheld

Kieren Fallon today lost his appeal against a three-day suspension for irresponsible riding and, with it, the chance of riding favourite Golan in this Saturday's Vodafone Derby.

The Irishman had hoped to get the ban he incurred at Ayr last Thursday either overturned or at least reduced by the Jockey Club's disciplinary committee.

But the panel upheld the stewards' decision that 36-year-old Fallon's riding of Distinctive Dream in the five-furlong RS Design Handicap four days ago required the full three-day ban. Fallon lost his deposit, implying the committee felt the incident and its penalty unworthy of appeal.

Fallon was clearly disappointed and on leaving the Portman Square hearing said: "Why not forget about it."

The incident took place when the former triple champion jockey bumped Tancred Times, whose rider Tyrone Williams also attended today's inquiry.

The Ayr race was worth just £4,480 compared with Epsom's £1 million Derby, but Fallon is renowned for his competitiveness.

Had the disciplinary committee downgraded the offence from 'irresponsible of a minor nature' to 'careless', the ban could have been reduced to just one or two days.

But Fallon also ran the risk of having his ban increased.

His suspension begins on Saturday, allowing him to ride the Queen's Flight Of Fancy in Friday's Vodafone Oaks - the fillies' Classic equivalent to the Derby - and Petrushka in the Coronation Cup at Epsom the same day.

Champion jockey Pat Eddery has been confirmed as Golan's new partner.