Prendergast Backs Fallon Kieren Fallon's early mentor Kevin Prendergast has sprung to the defence of the six-times champion jockey after he was charged with conspiracy to defraud by City of London police.Fallon began his riding career at Prendergast's yard and he stayed with the County Kildare handler until 1987 when he switched to join Jimmy FitzGerald in Britain.'He came to me as a raw apprentice, he'd never seen a horse, never ridden a horse and he started off with me,' Prendergast said.'From day one he always had plenty of talent and progressed to be the leading apprentice in the country.'He finished his time with me and he wanted a change so went over to Jimmy Fitzgerald in England.'I found him very respectful, a very good worker and very talented.'I most certainly would (defend him). I can't believe all the accusations and I'm sure when all the smoke dies down he will be found to be the honest and true guy which he is,' Prendergast told At The Races.'In a court of law you are innocent until proven guilty, he's been charged but not found guilty of anything.'(C) PA Sport
