Coolmore comments on Fallons's demise.

COOLMORE issued a brief statement on Friday to say that they would continue their policy of using the best rider available after the announcement of Kieren Fallon's 18-month suspension. Trainer Aidan O'Brien was unavailable for comment, but Coolmore spokesman Richard Henry said: “This is a personal matter for Kieren. For us, there is no change. We will continue to use the best available on the day, as before.” Reaction from other trainers produced staunch support for Fallon. They also said they would be happy to use the rider again if he made a comeback once the ban was served. David Nicholls has continued to use Fallon for his runners in Ireland, despite the jockey not being able to ride in Britain, and has been one of his most loyal supporters. He said on Friday: “Kieren will come back. He's a hard kid and he's faced dark days before. If it was even money him retiring and 3-1 on him riding again I'd put my money on the 3-1 shot.” Asked if he would use him again, Nicholls said: “Of course I would. You find me someonebetter than him. He's a world- class rider.”
Fallon had been a regular rider for Ed Dunlop, including aboard his remarkable racemare Ouija Board. The trainer said: “It's very sad news. Obviously, rules are rules and Kieren will have to serve his time. If he comes back we'd be very happy to support him.” Paul Howling, another trainer to have employed Fallon, said: “I think the ban is very harsh and I feel sorry for him as it's a long time out of the saddle. He's been a superstar to us and a brilliant judge. He helped me get plenty of winners, and Anousa winning the Bahrain Trophy and Shamrock City winning in Listed company was a real boost. “He's been an invaluable boost over the years and however big he was, he was still there to help the small trainer too.” Lambourn trainer John Hills said: “It's a great shame to see Kieren in this position. We all lose out because of this.”
COUNTING THE COST Big-race rides Fallon will miss in 2008:
Henrythenavigator - 2,000 Guineas
Kitty Matcham - 1,000 Guineas
Listen - Oaks
Peeping Fawn - Coronation Cup
Washington Irving - Derby
Yeats - Gold Cup
US Ranger - July Cup
Soldier Of Fortune - King George
Mahler - Melbourne Cup

Sadly,
The Big G.