Fallon back on board Petrushka

Kieren Fallon will resume as regular jockey to triple Group One-winning filly Petrushka next year it was announced today by Harry Herbert the racing manager for her owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

Johnny Murtagh rode the three-year-old to the partnership's third success on Sunday in the Prix de l'Opera, following victories in the Irish and Yorkshire Oaks, after he was invited by trainer Sir Michael Stoute to stand in for his stricken stable jockey.

Fallon has been sidelined since a fall at Royal Ascot on 21 June, but partnered the filly to her initial Nell Gwyn success and was then frustrated in the classics by mere places, third in the 1,000 Guineas and fourth in the Oaks. But he will have the chance to renew the association in 2001.

"We've been thrilled to have Johnny riding Petrushka but it has been Kieren's loss," said Herbert. "We hope and pray Kieren comes back fully fit next year and, as stable jockey to Sir Michael Stoute, would be bound to take the ride again."