Fallon set to appeal over two-day ban

A Group 2 winner, a costly ban, a snub to the BBC and a pointed hint that Ascot should be keeping the taps turned on.

The week has begun in typically turbulent fashion for champion jockey Kieren Fallon, who has warned punters that fast ground would be a major obstacle to Kris Kin's chance in Saturday's King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes.

Fallon partnered Princely Venture to land the Scottish Derby at Ayr yesterday but also incurred a two-day careless riding ban for hampering the Michael Hills-ridden Private Charter which rules him out of the Thursday and Friday of next week's Glorious Goodwood meeting.

The Irishman has indicated that he will appeal against the ban and has also revealed through his solicitors that he will be giving no interviews to the BBC until litigation surrounding last October's controversial Panorama investigation into racing is resolved.

"I've gone past Private Charter and was clear of him and entitled to go to the far rail, but Michael made a meal of it and switched his mount in the hope that he would finish second and get the race in the stewards' room."

Subtle pressure about watering from highprofile connections is nothing new in the run-up to big races, and Fallon and Frankie Dettori have both advised Ascot clerk of the course Nick Cheyne to keep the taps on ahead of Saturday's King George.