Cieren Fallon dedicates big Group 1 success to jockey Cherchi who was tragically killed in a fall
COOL Cieren Fallon roared with delight after steering Montassib to a last-gasp Sprint Cup win at Haydock.
The top jock picked his way through the field on William Haggas’ 25-1 shot for a nail-biting win – before dedicating the success to the late Stefano Cherchi.
Whichever way you slice it, this was a massive result for Fallon, who has had a rocky couple of years through injury and lack of big-race opportunities.
And he was left devastated when his good pal and jockey Cherchi was tragically killed at the age of just 23 after a fall in Australia back in April.
So no wonder he was overcome with emotion after this success, which he wouldn’t have necessarily been expecting on his way to Haydock.
This was six-year-old Montassib’s first run in a Group 1 level and he hadn’t looked up to this level in the past.
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But he produced a massive personal best as he was expertly delivered from off the pace to win by a head.
The 5-2 favourite Inisherin ran a shocker, trailing home in 13th place, while the well-fancied Elite Status didn’t fare much better in eighth
Fallon said: “It’s an incredible feeling, I grew up not far from here in Wigan and all my family came along to watch me.
“It’s definitely been an up and down season, I’ve had injuries to deal with and it’s not always been easy.
“This horse has been great to me, he has to be ridden quietly so I just bided my time and waited for the gaps, and thankfully they came and we got there in time.
“This one is for Stefano. I think he had a gap for me today.”
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