Kieren Fallon is looking to "hit the jackpot" and ride some winners when he resumes his riding career at Lingfield on Friday.
Six-time champion ready for busy comeback
Kieren Fallon is looking to "hit the jackpot" and ride some winners when he makes his long-awaited return to the saddle on Friday.
The six-time champion will ride for the first time on a British racecourse since July 2006 when he mounts seven rides split between Lingfield and Kempton.
The 44-year-old has been cleared to return by the British Horseracing Authority after serving an 18-month ban imposed by the French authorities having tested positive for a prohibited substance.
With a renewed appreciation for the game, Fallon is hoping to make an instant impression as he finally resumes his riding career.
Winners
"It is very important that I hit the jackpot on the first day and ride some winners," he said.
"I feel great riding out every morning. I have ridden some really good horses for some really good trainers. I think I appreciate the game more, appreciate the people I ride for. I took them for granted before."
Fallon starts out on Rare Malt in the Withyham Median Auction Maiden Stakes which opens proceedings at Lingfield at 2.20pm.
Amy Weaver has the distinction of supplying Fallon with his first ride back, though it may not have been the case had Hayley Turner been available.
"It's one of those little things that was a coincidence it's happened," said the Newmarket handler.
"Hayley Turner rode her first time then couldn't ride her the second time as she was at York. We hoped Hayley would ride her this time but she's on one for Michael Bell who supplies her with a lot of her mounts.
"Kieren rang up and asked if he could have the ride. The owners said yes and we're only too happy to have him on board.
"We don't know about the newcomers in the race but her form is very solid. She's got a good draw and hopefully she can make it pay."
Schedule
After the opener Fallon rides Roodee King in the Holtye Median Auction Maiden Stakes and Diriculous in the Burstow Handicap before ending his day at Lingfield aboard Satwa Gold for Ed Dunlop in the Felbridge Handicap at 4.50.
He then heads down to Kempton for an evening meeting where he kicks off on Wigan Lane for Paul Howling in division two of the Celtic Contractors Nursery.
Saturday sees a further nine rides, the biggest being on ante-post favourite High Standing for William Haggas in the Group One Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock. He is also in action at Wolverhampton on the same day.
