Fallon Loses Appeal of British Suspension

Jockey Kieren Fallon, implicated in a criminal conspiracy case to defraud a major British betting service, won't ride again in Great Britain this year after the High Court refused July 28 to overturn a riding suspension handed down by the Horseracing Regulatory Authority this month.

His attorney, Ian Burton, told Racing Post he would not seek an appeal of the decision. The HRA suspension would remain in effect until the case is adjudicated.

"My client is understandably disappointed with the outcome of his efforts to have his suspension from riding in the UK lifted pending a trial in 18 months' time," Burton said.

"We are not seeking leave to appeal and our focus will be on defending the ill-founded charges against Mr. Fallon." A hearing challenging the allegations would not take place until the end of the year, Racing Post reported.

Fallon, the number one rider for racing powerhouse Ballydoyle, stands accused of conspiracy to defraud Betfair. Fallon has been barred from the Arlington Millions (gr. I) Aug. 12, where Ace could run, and Coolmore is awaiting word from Kentucky on the jockey's status for the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs.

Two other riders charged as part of the police investigation, Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams, opted not to contest the decision to suspend them.