Cieren Fallon dedicates big win to close friend, 23, tragically killed in a fall
Cieren Fallon paid tribute to Stefano Cherchi following a win on Montassib (25-1) in Haydock's Betfair Sprint Cup. The
Montassib stirred Cieren Fallon's emotions as he turned tragedy into triumph in Haydock's Betfair Sprint Cup. The reliable chestnut thundered home at 25-1 to hand his rider a poignant Group One success on Merseyside.
Fallon, the son of six-time champion Kieran, dedicated the achievement to his close friend Stefano Cherchi. The 23-year-old - partner of Fallon junior's sister Brittany - was fatally injured competing in Australia earlier this year.
"This result came from Stefano," said Fallon, close to tears coming back in on the William Haggas-trained sprinter. "We lost him earlier this year and I believe he had a gap for me today.”
The untimely loss of Cherchi, who rode over 100 winners in the UK, plunged the racing community into mourning in April. A much-loved member of the weighing room, he was gaining experience overseas when his horse came down at Canberra racetrack.
Fallon said Haggas - also handler of third-placed Unequal Love - had done so much to further his own career. The talented rider spoke about his mental and physical fight to regain full fitness after he broke his back at Windsor on July 1.
"Mr Haggas has supported me since I was a kid," said Fallon. "He’s been like a father to me in the sport and if it wasn’t for him and Maureen I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Before giving his emotional tribute to Cherchi, Fallon punched the air as Montassib collared Kind Of Blue (14-1) with his trademark late burst.
James Fanshawe's lightly-raced colt did best of the pacesetters, taking over from leading fancy Elite Status with a furlong to run. However the low-drawn runners dominated, with rank outsider Vadream outrunning her huge odds of 50-1 in fourth.
Punters sent Commonwealth Cup hero Inisherin off a well-backed 5-2 favourite, but he was one of the first beaten and trailed home in 13th.
At Kempton, Kalpana emulated mighty mare Enable by winning the Unibet September Stakes for owners Juddmonte. The two-time Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine used it to trial for Paris - but Andrew Balding's filly is William Hill's 7-2 favourite for Ascot's Qipco British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes on October 19.
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