Like father, like son
First Group 1-winning Cieren Fallon inherits famous father's genes
Cieren Fallon showed he has inherited the riding genes from his legendary father Kieren, landing his first Group 1 race on Saturday - the July Cup on Oxted.
Fallon junior took the lead with 200m to go and comfortably held off a challenge from Frankie Dettori on Irish raider Sceptical, with the favourite Golden Horde third.
Dettori, who was second in the sprint for a third time, must wait another year to see if he can finally win the race and make it a full house of Group 1 triumphs in England.
Fallon, who was riding in just his second Group 1 race, said he had taken advice from his team, including his dad.
The qualified fitness instructor added that he will be even better than his six-time champion jockey father, who numbered three Epsom Derbies among his many top-level successes.
There was no such bravura from him in the immediate afterglow of his first top-level win.
"I am speechless," he said. "I did not expect this, most definitely not. I was a passenger on a very good horse.
"There was a lot of pressure. I spoke to dad beforehand and he said 'keep it simple'. That's what I did. I kept it simple."
His father said he had been a bag of nerves.
"He rode to perfection," said the 55-year-old Kieren of his son. "I could barely watch, I was so nervous. I am a very proud father."
Winning trainer Roger Teal charged down the rails in celebrating his first win at this level.
"Always had a feeling this lad might be a bit useful," said a grinning Teal.
"Oxted is such cool little dude as well. My first Group 1, I cannot get too carried away, as I have already made enough of a fool of myself." - AFP
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