FORMER CHAMPION BACK WITH A BANG Jockey Kieren Fallon today made a victorious return to race-riding following six months on the sidelines. The three-time champion jockey rode Hunting Tiger to success in a 16-runner seven-furlong handicap at Nad Al Sheba racecourse in Dubai. It was the first time Fallon had ridden in public since nearly losing the use of his left arm in a fall from Alhawa, who was involved in a four-horse pile-up in the Ascot Stakes at the Royal meeting. Hunting Tiger, trained by American Kiaran McLaughlin, raced prominently before taking the lead two out and drawing clear for a comfortable victory. After the race Fallon said: 'That felt great but I was blowing a bit more than the horse at the end.' McLaughlin, who trains 100 horses in Dubai, added: 'I`m just really happy to put him on a winner first time and I`m particularly pleased to help out Sir Michael Stoute who is a good friend of mine. 'Willie Supple is my stable jockey. Kieren Fallon is here to get fit but like other trainers I`ll be putting him up as much as I can to help.' Fallon is already odds-on with some bookmakers to regain his jockeys` title from Kevin Darley next year.
