Cieren Fallon appeals against 'ridiculous and stupid' sanction handed down by Australia stewards for winning ride

Cieren Fallon has appealed against the six-figure fine and month-long ban imposed on him by stewards in Australia following his narrow victory on Lake Forest in the A$10 million Golden Eagle last weekend.

The stewards fined Fallon A$100,000 (£51,000/€61,295) and banned him from riding for a month for causing interference in the closing stages of the 7½f contest, which Lake Forest won by half a length from fellow European contender Lazzat.

Fallon pleaded guilty to the charge of careless riding during the inquiry, with the stewards' report stating the punishment was the result of “the high degree of carelessness, the severity of interference and the status of this event”.

However, Fallon said on Wednesday that while he had caused interference in the closing stages of the race, the sanction he received was excessive.

“We’ve lodged the paperwork for an appeal and a lawyer based in Australia has kindly taken it on for us,” Fallon said. “We’re waiting to hear back from them in terms of when the appeal will be heard, so it’s ongoing at the moment. It’s the punishment that we’re appealing against.

Cieren Fallon (far left): received a fine and ban after causing interference aboard Lake Forest in the Golden EagleCredit: Jeremy Ng

“The [stewards'] hearings are similar to here but at the end they ask if you are guilty or not guilty. Yes, I am guilty of interference but the punishment is way too large – it’s ridiculous, it’s horrendous and I think it’s a bit stupid.”

Fallon galvanised Lake Forest to claim a thrilling victory in Sydney from an unpromising position turning into the home straight, only getting to the lead yards from the finishing line.

Despite the post-race punishments and decision to appeal against them, Fallon said there had been no gloss taken off the success, which is the most valuable of his career.

“It’s not taken anything away from the race and the feeling I got that day,” he said. “It was a great win and meant a lot to do it on the international stage. It’s just frustration more than anything that they felt that punishment was right at the time. 

“All the jockeys and the members of the racing community down there in Australia have said the punishment is too excessive for what it is."

Cieren Fallon: "The racing community in Australia have said the punishment is too excessive"Credit: Jeremy Ng

As well as his win on Lake Forest, Fallon has enjoyed a strong end to the year, having also won the Group 1 Sprint Cup on Montassib. He is hoping to carry the momentum into the British all-weather season.

The change in fortunes for Fallon has been particularly poignant for the rider, whose friend and fellow rider Stefano Cherchi died in April following a fall in Australia in March.

He said: “Racing is a real rollercoaster and this year has really felt like that. I had an injury at the start of the year and then there was what happened with Stef, but the year has then ended with a Group 1 win at home and then winning the Golden Eagle, which is such a high.”

Read these next:

William Haggas claims another major Australian prize - but Cieren Fallon handed one-month ban and fine for winning ride 

Cieren Fallon hails 'special' first Group 1 for boss William Haggas as 25-1 Montassib stuns Sprint Cup rivals 

'Mentally, it takes its toll' - Cieren Fallon on the challenges of being sidelined as he looks forward to Monday return 

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