Fallon back in court
Kieren Fallon is expected to appear at Southwark Crown Court today (Friday) for a progress report on the case of alleged race fixing. It will be the first time the City of London police’s charges will be openly discussed and it is likely that the judge is likely to receive an application to have the trial moved to the Old Bailey.
Fallon’s solicitors have suggested they will attempt to have Fallon’s charge thrown out of court on the grounds that there is no case to answer.
Iffraaj ruled out for season
Godolphin’s Iffraaj has been ruled out for the season after suffering a setback. The five-year old had been aimed at the Breeder’s Cup Mile at Churchill Downs on 4 November but future plans have been put on hold.
Dragon Dancer Arc potential
Geoff Wragg is considering running Dragon Dancer in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday. If the gelding was to win, he would become the first maiden to win France’s most prestigious race. But his entry still hangs in the balance; Wragg will only run him if the going is soft and admits it is still 50/50 whether he will run.
Deep Impact good Arc form
Japanese icon Deep Impact is on great form following his arrival in France for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomple. The four-year-old, who has been beaten in just one of 11 race starts, has satisfied trainer Yasuo Ikee that he is prepared to take on the Arc challenge.
Williams in the wars
Jockey Christian Williams is recovering in hospital after a major operation on his shoulder. The 22-year-old suffered a fall at Worcester earlier this month and needed over eight hours of surgery on a severed nerve, ruptured ligaments and a damaged tendon. Williams has also had two plates inserted below the eye following a fractured cheekbone and eye socket. The accident has called a halt to Williams’ run of success; so far he has ridden 18 winners this season and rode 77 last season.
Ouija Board to miss Opera
Ouija Board (pictured) will not be running in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp on Sunday. Instead the five-year old will aim for next month’s Newmarket Champion’s Stakes as trainer Ed Dunlop considers the ground in France to be too soft.