Fallon and Stoute split

Sir Michael Stoute will not have a stable jockey next season after confirming the end of his partnership with Kieren Fallon.

But the trainer has confirmed that Fallon will continue to ride some horses for the stable next year, depending upon the wishes of owners.

The decision leaves the way open for other top jockeys like Johnny Murtagh to ride for the yard when required.

Fallon disclosed yesterday that his role as stable jockey was coming to an end and the trainer confirmed the news this morning.

'My stable will not be retaining a jockey for the 2002 season,' he said.

'Not all of my owners wish to use Kieren Fallon but his association with the stable will continue with those that do.

'Kieren assures me that he is keen to do so.'

Fallon had already told the Racing Post of the decision in an article that appeared this morning: 'I can confirm that there will be an announcement that I will not be riding as stable jockey

to Sir Michael next year but I still expect to be riding for him -he hasn`t said anything to suggest otherwise.

'I feel we`ve still got a good working relationship. I don`t think there`s been a cross word between us this year.

'As far as I understand it there are some owners in the stable who would prefer other riders to be on their horses but I don`t want to say anything negative about what`s happened or to comment any more about the reasons for the decision.'

Murtagh, who has an existing retainer in Ireland with John Oxx, said that he hoped he would continue to enjoy riding for Stoute.

'I`m very flattered to be associated with the job in the papers,' Murtagh said.

'But Sir Michael has not spoken to me and I haven`t spoken to him about it.

'He has always said that he will use the best jockeys available and I would like to think that I fall into that category.

'I have ridden some great horses for him and I hope that I can ride some more.'

News of the loss of his job is the latest twist in Fallon`s roller-coaster career.

There has been no doubting Fallon`s talent since left Ireland in 1988 to ride in England for Jimmy Fitzgerald.

He soon established himself in the north and went on to form a formidable partnership with Thirsk-based Lynda Ramsden.

But he has always been no stranger to controversy and picked up many bans, including a six-month suspension for pulling fellow rider Stuart Webster off his horse at Beverley in 1994.

He proved early critics wrong after joining Henry Cecil in 1997, though not before being heavily slated for his ride on Bosra Sham in that year`s Eclipse Stakes at Sandown.

The pair enjoyed numerous big triumphs together, culminating in Oath`s Derby victory in 1997.

But they split midway through that campaign, after tabloid reports of allegations involving Cecil`s wife.

Fallon made an immediate impact upon moving to Stoute last year, winning the 2000 Guineas on King`s Best, only to have his season ended through injury.

He looks sure toregain his jockeys` championship title this year, being 11 winners clear of reigning champion Kevin Darley.

Chris Richardson, the managing director of Cheveley Park Stud, confirmed today that he hoped Fallon would continue to ride for them when available.

'Our policy has always been to use the best jockey available and we have used Kieren with great success,' he explained.

'There has never been any question of us having a jockey on a retainer but we would be happy to continue to have Kieren riding for us when he can.'