Fallon assured title at Doncaster finale (From Gazette & Herald)

Fallon assured title at Doncaster finale

THE 2003 Flat turf season draws to a close at Doncaster this weekend with former Norton-based rider Kieren Fallon assured of his sixth jockeys' title, and Sir Michael Stoute, who also spent the early part of his racing career in Ryedale, is set to be crowned champion trainer.

The common denominator, apart from their local connections, is that Fallon and Stoute also work in partnership, and together they have enjoyed a wonderful campaign, highlighted by the successes of Russian Rhythm in the 1,000 Guineas, Kris Kin in the Derby, and Islington in the Breeders' Cup Championships.

Fallon's score of 200-plus winners also reflects great credit on his hard-working agent David Pollington, who lives at Pickering and who has again done a sterling job in unearthing a constant stream of fancied horses - most notably more than 150 winners for 'outside' trainers - for his ace jockey to ride.

Fallon has, in fact, taken part in more than 1,050 races this season and his mounts, in Britain alone, have accumulated more than £5.2m in win and place prize money.

Stoute's seasonal haul of 115 winners has earned his owners some £2.7m in prize money, while a further £1m has been won by placed horses in a yard that has admirably fired in winners at a strike-rate of 24pc.

Fallon will be aboard Capitano Corelli in the final big race, the Tote/Racing Post £1m Ten To Follow November Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday. Sheriff Hutton-based Kevin Darley, himself a former champion, has been booked for Harcourt, likewise trained by Paul Cole.

Local interest is likely to centre largely on the prospects of Nowell House, trained by Mick Easterby, and a winner at Ayr last month. The gelding has run well in this contest in the past and, provided the ground rides on the easy side of good, this confirmed mud-lover promises to be involved in the finish.

Whatever the outcome, however, Saturday will be memorable for one other reason.

Pat Eddery, the 11-times champion jockey, will be bowing out for the final time in Britain, a sad day for many, who have marvelled at the skills of this wonderful rider, whose tally of winners - more than 4,500 - is bettered only by Sir Gordon Richards.

Eddery, who retires next month after a career spanning almost 37 years, has ridden stacks of winners for local trainers, including Sapience, on whom he won the Tote-Ebor Handicap for Jimmy FitzGerald at York in 1989.

If memory serves correctly, Eddery was chosen for that heavily-supported mount over and above FitzGerald's then up-and-coming resident rider. His name? Kieren Fallon.

Updated: 10:05 Wednesday, November 05, 2003