Kieren Fallon
Photo courtesy Mary Pitt
Photo courtesy Mary Pitt
Crusheen is a small village in County Clare which lies on the road from Ennis to Gort, and it was here on February 2, 1965, that Kieren Francis Fallon, one of six children, was born to Frank, a plasterer, and Maureen.
Crusheen is a small village in County Clare which lies on the road from Ennis to Gort, and it was here on February 2, 1965, that Kieren Francis Fallon, one of six children, was born to Frank, a plasterer, and Maureen.
He attended Our Lady's College in Gort and, by his own admission, was an 'academic disaster'.
He attended Our Lady's College in Gort and, by his own admission, was an 'academic disaster'.
His thoughts lay elsewhere, mainly in the boxing ring. As small as he was, that was where he first considered making a living. He had all the basic skills embellished with rare courage and aggression – and, for one so tiny, astonishing power.
His thoughts lay elsewhere, mainly in the boxing ring. As small as he was, that was where he first considered making a living. He had all the basic skills embellished with rare courage and aggression – and, for one so tiny, astonishing power.
These last three attributes would serve him well as a jockey, but, in the hurling territory of Crusheen, thoughts of such a career were never seriously entertained.
These last three attributes would serve him well as a jockey, but, in the hurling territory of Crusheen, thoughts of such a career were never seriously entertained.
Kieren's grandfather was a skilled joiner and, had he not become a jockey, Kieren would almost certainly have been a carpenter.
Kieren's grandfather was a skilled joiner and, had he not become a jockey, Kieren would almost certainly have been a carpenter.
There was no pony racing: horses were seen only working the land.
There was no pony racing: horses were seen only working the land.
Farm life was hard and money scarce: young Kieren, who had to share a bed with two of his brothers, spent his mornings cutting turf for the fire or drawing water from the well. Afternoons would be spent humping hay.
Farm life was hard and money scarce: young Kieren, who had to share a bed with two of his brothers, spent his mornings cutting turf for the fire or drawing water from the well. Afternoons would be spent humping hay.
One day, from school, he brought home a book entitled How To Become A Jockey. It contained a list of prominent Irish trainers. On her son's behalf, Maureen wrote off to five of them asking would the take him on as an apprentice.
One day, from school, he brought home a book entitled How To Become A Jockey. It contained a list of prominent Irish trainers. On her son's behalf, Maureen wrote off to five of them asking would the take him on as an apprentice.
Only one – Kevin Prendergast – replied and, in February, 1983, just two weeks short of his 18th birthday, Kieren arrived at the Curragh.
Only one – Kevin Prendergast – replied and, in February, 1983, just two weeks short of his 18th birthday, Kieren arrived at the Curragh.
Displaying the same natural skill he'd exercised in the boxing ring, Kieren quickly adapted to stable life and routine: paired up with a young Charlie Swan, the two would ride fresh young horses which had only just been broken in.
Displaying the same natural skill he'd exercised in the boxing ring, Kieren quickly adapted to stable life and routine: paired up with a young Charlie Swan, the two would ride fresh young horses which had only just been broken in.
Though his capacity for work and ability in the saddle quickly gained him respect, he still had to wait nearly a year for his first ride in public.
Though his capacity for work and ability in the saddle quickly gained him respect, he still had to wait nearly a year for his first ride in public.
Then, later, on June 19, 1984, he was offered the ride on Piccadilly Lord, a small, nervous chestnut colt. Kieren settled him at the back before coming in the last furlong to gain his first win.
Then, later, on June 19, 1984, he was offered the ride on Piccadilly Lord, a small, nervous chestnut colt. Kieren settled him at the back before coming in the last furlong to gain his first win.
Kieren and Charlie Swan were then flatmates, living in a room above a butcher's shop in Kildare. They played pool together and would go out in the evenings when sometimes Kieren's short temper and handy fists would get him into skirmishes with other stable lads.
Kieren and Charlie Swan were then flatmates, living in a room above a butcher's shop in Kildare. They played pool together and would go out in the evenings when sometimes Kieren's short temper and handy fists would get him into skirmishes with other stable lads.
In 1986, Kieren finished seventh in the apprentices' table with ten winners, but it had been slow progress. He realized – as so many others had before him – that to get anywhere as a jockey, he would need to go to England.
In 1986, Kieren finished seventh in the apprentices' table with ten winners, but it had been slow progress. He realized – as so many others had before him – that to get anywhere as a jockey, he would need to go to England.
The racing journalist Dessie Schill knew there was a vacancy for a Flat rider at Jimmy Fitzgerald's yard in Malton and forwarded Kieron's name to him.
The racing journalist Dessie Schill knew there was a vacancy for a Flat rider at Jimmy Fitzgerald's yard in Malton and forwarded Kieron's name to him.
Fitzgerald took him on, putting Kieren's foot on the first step of a very long ladder.
Fitzgerald took him on, putting Kieren's foot on the first step of a very long ladder.
The two hit it off: Kieren saw of lot of himself in his new boss: in response, Fitzgerald recognised and fed a precocious talent.
The two hit it off: Kieren saw of lot of himself in his new boss: in response, Fitzgerald recognised and fed a precocious talent.
Kieren's first winner for the stable came on his ninth ride: Evichstar, an ex-Irish gelding which needed much cajoling before consenting – sometimes – to put his best foot forward.
Kieren's first winner for the stable came on his ninth ride: Evichstar, an ex-Irish gelding which needed much cajoling before consenting – sometimes – to put his best foot forward.
That Saturday, 16 April, 1988, at Thirsk, Evichstar was on his best behaviour for the £8.800 event and skated home. (In a race later that season he was withdrawn after bolting, and, in others, was tried in a severe bridle and net muzzle after becoming edgy before the off.)
That Saturday, 16 April, 1988, at Thirsk, Evichstar was on his best behaviour for the £8.800 event and skated home. (In a race later that season he was withdrawn after bolting, and, in others, was tried in a severe bridle and net muzzle after becoming edgy before the off.)
Backed down from 14-1 to 11-2, the result was never in doubt.
Backed down from 14-1 to 11-2, the result was never in doubt.
Kieren finished his first year in England with a highly respectable thirty-one winners – then, for no discernible reason, his career stagnated.
Kieren finished his first year in England with a highly respectable thirty-one winners – then, for no discernible reason, his career stagnated.
He rode just 28 winners in 1989, 39 in 1990 and 29 in 1991. Kieren was still firmly marooned on the first steps of the ladder: it was then he decided that to have any chance of reaching the upper echelon of the jockeys' circle he would need to go freelance.
He rode just 28 winners in 1989, 39 in 1990 and 29 in 1991. Kieren was still firmly marooned on the first steps of the ladder: it was then he decided that to have any chance of reaching the upper echelon of the jockeys' circle he would need to go freelance.
He did so, riding for, among others, northern trainer Eric Alston. For him, he rode a sprinting filly called Stack Rock: together they contested 24 four races, winning seven, but it was their defeat at the hands of Lochsong in the 1993 Prix de l'Abbaye that surely counted as their finest moment.
He did so, riding for, among others, northern trainer Eric Alston. For him, he rode a sprinting filly called Stack Rock: together they contested 24 four races, winning seven, but it was their defeat at the hands of Lochsong in the 1993 Prix de l'Abbaye that surely counted as their finest moment.
It was Kieren's first ride on the Continent.
It was Kieren's first ride on the Continent.
For the remainder of his career Kieren, whenever free, would ride for his old Norton Grange mentor, Jimmy Fitzgerald.
For the remainder of his career Kieren, whenever free, would ride for his old Norton Grange mentor, Jimmy Fitzgerald.
'He was like a father to me.' Kieren said at his funeral in October 2004. 'Without him, I probably wouldn't still be in the game.'
'He was like a father to me.' Kieren said at his funeral in October 2004. 'Without him, I probably wouldn't still be in the game.'
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In late 1992, having ridden for a year as a freelance, Kieren joined the Breckenbrough Stables, Sandhutton, Thirsk, of Lynda and Jack Ramsden. Jack had quit his job as a stockbroker in 1980 and had met Lynda when she worked at the Epsom yard of John Sutcliffe Snr.
In late 1992, having ridden for a year as a freelance, Kieren joined the Breckenbrough Stables, Sandhutton, Thirsk, of Lynda and Jack Ramsden. Jack had quit his job as a stockbroker in 1980 and had met Lynda when she worked at the Epsom yard of John Sutcliffe Snr.
Kieren had got married: Julie Bowker – herself a top rider – gave him a daughter, Natalie.
Kieren had got married: Julie Bowker – herself a top rider – gave him a daughter, Natalie.
It was not to last: estranged, she was found guilty in 2007 of assault. She had lashed out when she suspected someone of poking fun at her troubled marriage and Kieren's alleged affairs.
It was not to last: estranged, she was found guilty in 2007 of assault. She had lashed out when she suspected someone of poking fun at her troubled marriage and Kieren's alleged affairs.
He was now the retained jockey of the Ramsden's (replacing Alan Munro) and suddenly, in the hectic summer schedule, shadows appeared as he began facing suspensions – two for whip misuse and a third for striking a fellow jockey, Keith Rutter, with his whip during a race at Thirsk.
He was now the retained jockey of the Ramsden's (replacing Alan Munro) and suddenly, in the hectic summer schedule, shadows appeared as he began facing suspensions – two for whip misuse and a third for striking a fellow jockey, Keith Rutter, with his whip during a race at Thirsk.
Then, following an altercation with jockey Stuart Webster which resulted in Kieren pulling Webster from the saddle, Kieren was hit with a six-month ban.
Then, following an altercation with jockey Stuart Webster which resulted in Kieren pulling Webster from the saddle, Kieren was hit with a six-month ban.
Webster's dubious riding tactics had upset several jockeys of late, and Kieren received widespread professional sympathy.
Webster's dubious riding tactics had upset several jockeys of late, and Kieren received widespread professional sympathy.
The Ramsdens immediately pledged their support for him. He had won his first big handicap (the Lincoln) on High Premium for them and his job was waiting for him once the suspension was spent.
The Ramsdens immediately pledged their support for him. He had won his first big handicap (the Lincoln) on High Premium for them and his job was waiting for him once the suspension was spent.
Within weeks, however, he was embroiled in further controversy. On April 18, 1995, he rode Top Cees in the Swaffham Handicap at Newmarket, then rode it to a runaway win in the Chester Cup the following month. Three years later the running and riding of these races became a matter for the law. Ramsden & Kieren, so the allegation went, had deliberately stopped Top Cees running on its merits in the Swaffham Handicap in order to lengthen its odds in the Chester Cup a few weeks later.
Within weeks, however, he was embroiled in further controversy. On April 18, 1995, he rode Top Cees in the Swaffham Handicap at Newmarket, then rode it to a runaway win in the Chester Cup the following month. Three years later the running and riding of these races became a matter for the law. Ramsden & Kieren, so the allegation went, had deliberately stopped Top Cees running on its merits in the Swaffham Handicap in order to lengthen its odds in the Chester Cup a few weeks later.
The trial lasted 18 days resulting in the Ramsdens and Kieren being awarded £195,000 against Mirror Newspapers (which had made the original allegation). Kieren got £70,000 of this total.
The trial lasted 18 days resulting in the Ramsdens and Kieren being awarded £195,000 against Mirror Newspapers (which had made the original allegation). Kieren got £70,000 of this total.
Collateral damage emerged when Jack, sickened by the whole affair, informed his stable staff in the late summer of 1998 that he and Lynda would be quitting at the end of the season.
Collateral damage emerged when Jack, sickened by the whole affair, informed his stable staff in the late summer of 1998 that he and Lynda would be quitting at the end of the season.
Again, Kieren - in February 1997 - moved on, this time to the mighty stables of Henry Cecil.
Again, Kieren - in February 1997 - moved on, this time to the mighty stables of Henry Cecil.
Previous stable jockeys had been Piggott, Eddery & Cauthen: this was no ordinary vacancy and, by the press, was seen as very much a gamble on Cecil's part.
Previous stable jockeys had been Piggott, Eddery & Cauthen: this was no ordinary vacancy and, by the press, was seen as very much a gamble on Cecil's part.
Kieren, though aged 32, was still relatively unknown outside the north and very inexperienced at the top level.
Kieren, though aged 32, was still relatively unknown outside the north and very inexperienced at the top level.
Undaunted, Cecil admitted to having a good feeling about the arrangement. And it wasn't such the leap in the dark that many imagined.
Undaunted, Cecil admitted to having a good feeling about the arrangement. And it wasn't such the leap in the dark that many imagined.
The esteemed trainer had already done most of his winning. Frankel aside, the best horses he would train had already passed through his stables. Cecil was training fewer winners each season. Kieren's arrival was all part of a damage limitation exercise.
The esteemed trainer had already done most of his winning. Frankel aside, the best horses he would train had already passed through his stables. Cecil was training fewer winners each season. Kieren's arrival was all part of a damage limitation exercise.
Initially, it worked well, Kieren riding three winners for Cecil at the Craven meeting. But, boxed in behind a wall of horses, he was then soundly beaten on the 4-7 shot Sleepytime after a ride to forget.
Initially, it worked well, Kieren riding three winners for Cecil at the Craven meeting. But, boxed in behind a wall of horses, he was then soundly beaten on the 4-7 shot Sleepytime after a ride to forget.
Kieren handsomely made amends in the 1,000 Guineas, coming home by four lengths, but the first seeds of doubt came in June 1977. Kieren, correctly, chose to ride Reams of Verse but, in the closing stages, was comprehensively out-ridden by a rampant Mick Kinane. Yet that wasn't the sole cause of defeat: Reams of Verse would have won by a wide margin had Kieren chosen a different path and been more decisive, and Cecil, fuming, knew it.
Kieren handsomely made amends in the 1,000 Guineas, coming home by four lengths, but the first seeds of doubt came in June 1977. Kieren, correctly, chose to ride Reams of Verse but, in the closing stages, was comprehensively out-ridden by a rampant Mick Kinane. Yet that wasn't the sole cause of defeat: Reams of Verse would have won by a wide margin had Kieren chosen a different path and been more decisive, and Cecil, fuming, knew it.
Then came the Bosra Sham saga.
Then came the Bosra Sham saga.
The Guineas-winning filly had won the Prince of Wales's Stakes on Ascot's opening day by eight lengths and was entered for the five-runner Eclipse Stakes at Ascot.
The Guineas-winning filly had won the Prince of Wales's Stakes on Ascot's opening day by eight lengths and was entered for the five-runner Eclipse Stakes at Ascot.
Kieren, by his own admission, rode the worst race of his life. Boshra Sham, after making an abortive run up the inside, was beaten and the press had a field day.
Kieren, by his own admission, rode the worst race of his life. Boshra Sham, after making an abortive run up the inside, was beaten and the press had a field day.
Cecil was not completely devoid of blame: he had instructed Kieren to switch the filly off, which he did. As the race was run, they were the wrong instructions.
Cecil was not completely devoid of blame: he had instructed Kieren to switch the filly off, which he did. As the race was run, they were the wrong instructions.
Cecil then announced that 'it would be in the best interest of the filly if Kieren Fallon is replaced.'
Cecil then announced that 'it would be in the best interest of the filly if Kieren Fallon is replaced.'
As if to prove everyone wrong, Kieren then rode 10 winners for Cecil in the week after the Eclipse.
As if to prove everyone wrong, Kieren then rode 10 winners for Cecil in the week after the Eclipse.
From that point, he became unstoppable, kicking home winner after winner, and, on Sunday, 9 November, 1997, racing hailed its new champion.
From that point, he became unstoppable, kicking home winner after winner, and, on Sunday, 9 November, 1997, racing hailed its new champion.
Not only had Kieren topped the jockeys' table but he'd also ridden over 200 winners in so doing.
Not only had Kieren topped the jockeys' table but he'd also ridden over 200 winners in so doing.
He had unquestionably arrived.
He had unquestionably arrived.
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1998: the season burst with promise for Kieren & Cecil and, though they could not win a classic that year, Cecil topped the 100 winner mark for only the second time in six seasons, finishing second in the trainers' table.
1998: the season burst with promise for Kieren & Cecil and, though they could not win a classic that year, Cecil topped the 100 winner mark for only the second time in six seasons, finishing second in the trainers' table.
Kieren finished the season having ridden 204 winners from 972 rides, thus becoming only the fourth jockey – along with Frankie Dettori, Sir Gordon Richards & Fred Archer – to have ridden consecutive double centuries.
Kieren finished the season having ridden 204 winners from 972 rides, thus becoming only the fourth jockey – along with Frankie Dettori, Sir Gordon Richards & Fred Archer – to have ridden consecutive double centuries.
He spent that winter in Hong Kong and enjoyed a highly successful and lucrative spell.
He spent that winter in Hong Kong and enjoyed a highly successful and lucrative spell.
Derby Day, 1999: Kieren, on Oath, broke free from the parade to prevent the highly strung animal from getting overly wound up on the way to the post. Kieren was also concerned about the inside draw Oath had been allotted.
Derby Day, 1999: Kieren, on Oath, broke free from the parade to prevent the highly strung animal from getting overly wound up on the way to the post. Kieren was also concerned about the inside draw Oath had been allotted.
Oath did not travel well down the hill but, once in the straight, his class outshone the rest. Kieren was able to pass Daliapour in the final furlong to win by a length and gain his first ever Derby success.
Oath did not travel well down the hill but, once in the straight, his class outshone the rest. Kieren was able to pass Daliapour in the final furlong to win by a length and gain his first ever Derby success.
Oath's career was to be cut short by a leg injury, being retired to stud some weeks later.
Oath's career was to be cut short by a leg injury, being retired to stud some weeks later.
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The hammer blow fell on the 25 July when the News of the World suggested that Henry Cecil's wife, Natalie, had had an inappropriate relationship with a top jockey, widely believed to be Kieren.
The hammer blow fell on the 25 July when the News of the World suggested that Henry Cecil's wife, Natalie, had had an inappropriate relationship with a top jockey, widely believed to be Kieren.
Cecil immediately announced that his association with Kieren would be 'permanently terminated'.
Cecil immediately announced that his association with Kieren would be 'permanently terminated'.
Kieren released a statement through his solicitor denying involvement, but the damage was done and Kieren was once again a freelance.
Kieren released a statement through his solicitor denying involvement, but the damage was done and Kieren was once again a freelance.
With Cecil's stable door firmly shut, Sir Michael Stoute's was quickly opened. His own stable jockey, Walter Swinburn, had struggled with his weight before quitting the saddle.
With Cecil's stable door firmly shut, Sir Michael Stoute's was quickly opened. His own stable jockey, Walter Swinburn, had struggled with his weight before quitting the saddle.
The success of the Kieren/Stoute partnership was reflected in the jockey riding his third consecutive double century, the first jockey to do so since Sir Gordon Richards fifty years before.
The success of the Kieren/Stoute partnership was reflected in the jockey riding his third consecutive double century, the first jockey to do so since Sir Gordon Richards fifty years before.
Throughout the summer of 2000, winners continued to flow. His four at Royal Ascot were Kalanisi (Queen Anne Stakes), Dalapour (Queen's Vase), Caribbean Monarch (Royal Hunt Cup) and Celtic Silence (Chesham).
Throughout the summer of 2000, winners continued to flow. His four at Royal Ascot were Kalanisi (Queen Anne Stakes), Dalapour (Queen's Vase), Caribbean Monarch (Royal Hunt Cup) and Celtic Silence (Chesham).
Then, (on June 21) at 5.15, he made his way out to ride in the Ascot Stakes.
Then, (on June 21) at 5.15, he made his way out to ride in the Ascot Stakes.
Coming off the final bend, Prairie Falcon, under Michael Hills, slipped and fell, bringing down the mounts of Alan Daly and Kieren: Hills and Daly escaped serious injury – not so Kieren.
Coming off the final bend, Prairie Falcon, under Michael Hills, slipped and fell, bringing down the mounts of Alan Daly and Kieren: Hills and Daly escaped serious injury – not so Kieren.
A hoof of a horse behind had clipped him on the left shoulder as he fell.
A hoof of a horse behind had clipped him on the left shoulder as he fell.
It would prove to be the worst fall of his career.
It would prove to be the worst fall of his career.
His career most definitely in the balance, he was rushed to a local hospital, being later transferred to Stanmore and into the care of Professor Rolfe Birch, head of the Peripheral Nerve injury Unit.
His career most definitely in the balance, he was rushed to a local hospital, being later transferred to Stanmore and into the care of Professor Rolfe Birch, head of the Peripheral Nerve injury Unit.
Sir Michael Stoute, some six weeks later, played an important part in Kieren's rehabilitation, sending him to Barbados together with his wife Julie and children.
Sir Michael Stoute, some six weeks later, played an important part in Kieren's rehabilitation, sending him to Barbados together with his wife Julie and children.
There, soaking up the sun and playing cricket - together with doing exercises under the expert supervision of Jacqueline King (the physio for the West Indies cricket team) – Kieren gradually returned to a level of fitness which enabled him to ride out at Freemason's Lodge at the end of September.
There, soaking up the sun and playing cricket - together with doing exercises under the expert supervision of Jacqueline King (the physio for the West Indies cricket team) – Kieren gradually returned to a level of fitness which enabled him to ride out at Freemason's Lodge at the end of September.
However, Stoute was adamant that he would not allow him to race-ride until the following season when, on Tuesday, 27 March, 2001, Kieren stepped out of the Wolverhampton weighing room to ride Wintertide for Richard Fahey. (He was beaten a head into second.)
However, Stoute was adamant that he would not allow him to race-ride until the following season when, on Tuesday, 27 March, 2001, Kieren stepped out of the Wolverhampton weighing room to ride Wintertide for Richard Fahey. (He was beaten a head into second.)
Kieren rode his comeback winner on Red Marauder's Grand National day: he rode Regal Song to victory at Musselburgh.
Kieren rode his comeback winner on Red Marauder's Grand National day: he rode Regal Song to victory at Musselburgh.
At Epsom in 2003, Kieren produced what many considered to be his finest ever performance in the saddle when winning the Derby on the massively under-rated Kris Klin.
At Epsom in 2003, Kieren produced what many considered to be his finest ever performance in the saddle when winning the Derby on the massively under-rated Kris Klin.
In fact, in Chester's four-runner Dee Stakes earlier that season, Kieren had begged Stoute to allow him to ride the favourite, Big Bad Bob, leaving Fergal Lynch to take the ride on the future Derby winner.
In fact, in Chester's four-runner Dee Stakes earlier that season, Kieren had begged Stoute to allow him to ride the favourite, Big Bad Bob, leaving Fergal Lynch to take the ride on the future Derby winner.
Kris Klin won easily to give Lynch his first Group victory.
Kris Klin won easily to give Lynch his first Group victory.
What happened at Lingfield Park on Tuesday, 2 March, the following year went on to become the biggest talking point of that racing season.
What happened at Lingfield Park on Tuesday, 2 March, the following year went on to become the biggest talking point of that racing season.
Riding Ballinger Ridge in the £1,463 Maiden Auction Stakes, Kieren – under instructions – set out to make all. Turning into the straight, Kieren was some 10 lengths clear of the favourite, Rye, who, at this point, was being vigorously ridden. Kieren, after a long look round, began to ease his mount down. Rye suddenly began to close and Kieren got back to work on the blinkered Ballinger Ridge. Too late! He was caught in the last stride by Rye.
Riding Ballinger Ridge in the £1,463 Maiden Auction Stakes, Kieren – under instructions – set out to make all. Turning into the straight, Kieren was some 10 lengths clear of the favourite, Rye, who, at this point, was being vigorously ridden. Kieren, after a long look round, began to ease his mount down. Rye suddenly began to close and Kieren got back to work on the blinkered Ballinger Ridge. Too late! He was caught in the last stride by Rye.
It would have seemed a clear case of a jockey being caught napping had it not been for the fact that Betfair had beforehand alerted the Jockey Club security to suspicious betting patterns on the race.
It would have seemed a clear case of a jockey being caught napping had it not been for the fact that Betfair had beforehand alerted the Jockey Club security to suspicious betting patterns on the race.
Then the News of the World claimed that Kieren had told the paper's undercover 'fake sheikh' that Ballinger Ridge would lose to Rye.
Then the News of the World claimed that Kieren had told the paper's undercover 'fake sheikh' that Ballinger Ridge would lose to Rye.
In truth, Kieren had ridden one of the worst races of his career: he admitted failing to ride the horse out and received the standard 21-day suspension.
In truth, Kieren had ridden one of the worst races of his career: he admitted failing to ride the horse out and received the standard 21-day suspension.
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On the evening of 25 February came the announcement that Kieren would be the retained jockey for Coolmore, and ride for the likes of Michael Tabor, John Magnier and Derrick Smith.
On the evening of 25 February came the announcement that Kieren would be the retained jockey for Coolmore, and ride for the likes of Michael Tabor, John Magnier and Derrick Smith.
Their possible anxiety with the arrangement was reflected in a single year's contract which Kieren was happy to sign (though he harboured unspoken concerns regarding his predecessor Jamie Spencer leaving Coolmore so abruptly).
Their possible anxiety with the arrangement was reflected in a single year's contract which Kieren was happy to sign (though he harboured unspoken concerns regarding his predecessor Jamie Spencer leaving Coolmore so abruptly).
Unusually, his first ride for this major Flat stable came at Cheltenham: he rode Refinement into fourth place in a bumper at the Festival for Jonjo O'Neill.
Unusually, his first ride for this major Flat stable came at Cheltenham: he rode Refinement into fourth place in a bumper at the Festival for Jonjo O'Neill.
His first classic ride for his new connections came on Footstepsinthesand in the 2005 2,000 Guineas. He won by a length and a half. Had Kieren stayed with Stoute, he would have finished stone last on Rob Roy.
His first classic ride for his new connections came on Footstepsinthesand in the 2005 2,000 Guineas. He won by a length and a half. Had Kieren stayed with Stoute, he would have finished stone last on Rob Roy.
Two days later he consolidated his success with another on Virginia Waters in the 1,000 Guineas.
Two days later he consolidated his success with another on Virginia Waters in the 1,000 Guineas.
Not having won a single classic anywhere in 2004, Aiden O'Brien was full of praise for his new stable jockey.
Not having won a single classic anywhere in 2004, Aiden O'Brien was full of praise for his new stable jockey.
Three races are often singled as as the best Kieren rode: Chilly Billy in the 1994 Gimcrack, Kris Kin and, in Paris on October 2, 2005, Hurricane Run in the l'Arc de Triomphe.
Three races are often singled as as the best Kieren rode: Chilly Billy in the 1994 Gimcrack, Kris Kin and, in Paris on October 2, 2005, Hurricane Run in the l'Arc de Triomphe.
Coming from a mile off the pace, Kieren threaded his way through a wall of horses to catch and beat Westerner by four lengths.
Coming from a mile off the pace, Kieren threaded his way through a wall of horses to catch and beat Westerner by four lengths.
It was his third Group One win of the afternoon and, as he later commented 'the best day I've had riding'.
It was his third Group One win of the afternoon and, as he later commented 'the best day I've had riding'.
2006 brought further success: Dylan Thomas (Irish Derby), George Washington (2,000 Guineas) & Alexandrova (The Oaks).
2006 brought further success: Dylan Thomas (Irish Derby), George Washington (2,000 Guineas) & Alexandrova (The Oaks).
It also brought his arrest in connection with race-fixing allegations. His UK jockey's licence was thus automatically suspended. However, the Irish Turf Club took the attitude of him being innocent until proven guilty, and refused to ban him from riding there.
It also brought his arrest in connection with race-fixing allegations. His UK jockey's licence was thus automatically suspended. However, the Irish Turf Club took the attitude of him being innocent until proven guilty, and refused to ban him from riding there.
A day after winning the Irish Derby, Kieren arrived at a London police station accompanied by his solicitor, Christopher Stewart-Moore.
A day after winning the Irish Derby, Kieren arrived at a London police station accompanied by his solicitor, Christopher Stewart-Moore.
Kieren had been on bail since his initial arrest on September 1, 2004.
Kieren had been on bail since his initial arrest on September 1, 2004.
It was all over by Friday 7, 2007, when a unanimous verdict found him not guilty.
It was all over by Friday 7, 2007, when a unanimous verdict found him not guilty.
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Kieren goes on record as the jockey who has been through the top three jobs in racing – Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute and Colmore – but, as a jockey, is probably best summed up by Aidan O'Brien.
Kieren goes on record as the jockey who has been through the top three jobs in racing – Henry Cecil, Sir Michael Stoute and Colmore – but, as a jockey, is probably best summed up by Aidan O'Brien.
He said: 'Kieren is the most unbelievable jockey we have ever dealt with. He is an absolute master of his craft. We go back and look at our records – we keep records – and he senses things other people don't. So instead of condemning him, we should be celebrating him, not, like a lot of geniuses are, when they're dead and gone for twenty years.'
He said: 'Kieren is the most unbelievable jockey we have ever dealt with. He is an absolute master of his craft. We go back and look at our records – we keep records – and he senses things other people don't. So instead of condemning him, we should be celebrating him, not, like a lot of geniuses are, when they're dead and gone for twenty years.'
Remembering Kieren's rides on Kris Klin and Hurricane Run, it would be hard to disagree.
Remembering Kieren's rides on Kris Klin and Hurricane Run, it would be hard to disagree.
Classic winners
Classic winners
Two Thousand Guineas: King’s Best (2000). Golan (2001), Footstepsinthesand (2005), George Washington (2006)
Two Thousand Guineas: King’s Best (2000). Golan (2001), Footstepsinthesand (2005), George Washington (2006)
One Thousand Guineas: Sleepytime (1997), Wince (1999), Russian Rhythm (2003), Virginia Waters (2005)
One Thousand Guineas: Sleepytime (1997), Wince (1999), Russian Rhythm (2003), Virginia Waters (2005)
Derby: Oath (1999), Kris Kin (2003), North Light (2004)
Derby: Oath (1999), Kris Kin (2003), North Light (2004)
Oaks: Reams of Verse (1997), Ramruna (1999), Ouija Board (2004), Alexandrova (2006)
Oaks: Reams of Verse (1997), Ramruna (1999), Ouija Board (2004), Alexandrova (2006)
Other big wins include:
Other big wins include:
1996: Zetland Gold Cup – Migwar
1996: Zetland Gold Cup – Migwar
1996: Royal Hunt Cup – Yeast
1996: Royal Hunt Cup – Yeast
1996: Windsor Castle Stakes – Dazzle
1996: Windsor Castle Stakes – Dazzle
1997: Cheshire Oaks – Kyle Rhea
1997: Cheshire Oaks – Kyle Rhea
1997: Prince of Wales’s Stakes – Bosra Sham
1997: Prince of Wales’s Stakes – Bosra Sham
1997: Ribblesdale Stakes – Yashmak
1997: Ribblesdale Stakes – Yashmak
1997: Queen Alexandra Stakes – Cannon Can
1997: Queen Alexandra Stakes – Cannon Can
1997: Sussex Stakes – Alu-Royal
1997: Sussex Stakes – Alu-Royal
1997: Cheveley Park Stakes – Embassy
1997: Cheveley Park Stakes – Embassy
1998: St James’s Palace Stakes – Doctor Fong
1998: St James’s Palace Stakes – Doctor Fong
1998: King Edward VII Stakes – Royal Anthem
1998: King Edward VII Stakes – Royal Anthem
1998: Yorkshire Oaks – Catchascatchcan
1998: Yorkshire Oaks – Catchascatchcan
1998: Ebor Handicap – Tuning
1998: Ebor Handicap – Tuning
1999: Dee Stakes – Oath
1999: Dee Stakes – Oath
1999: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Ramruna
1999: Lingfield Oaks Trial – Ramruna
1999: Queen’s Vase – Endorsement
1999: Queen’s Vase – Endorsement
1999: Britannia Stakes – Pythios
1999: Britannia Stakes – Pythios
1999: Bunbury Cup – Grangeville
1999: Bunbury Cup – Grangeville
1999: Ayr Gold Cup – Grangeville
1999: Ayr Gold Cup – Grangeville
1999: Cesarewitch Handicap – Top Cees
1999: Cesarewitch Handicap – Top Cees
2000: Coronation Cup – Daliapour
2000: Coronation Cup – Daliapour
2000: Queen Anne Stakes – Kalanisi
2000: Queen Anne Stakes – Kalanisi
2000: Queen’s Vase – Dalampour
2000: Queen’s Vase – Dalampour
2000: Royal Hunt Cup – Caribbean Monarch
2000: Royal Hunt Cup – Caribbean Monarch
2000: Chesham Stakes – Atlantic Silence
2000: Chesham Stakes – Atlantic Silence
2001: Dee Stakes – Dr Greenfield
2001: Dee Stakes – Dr Greenfield
2001: Lockinge Stakes – Medecean
2001: Lockinge Stakes – Medecean
2001: Queen Anne Stakes – Medicean
2001: Queen Anne Stakes – Medicean
2001: Ascot Stakes – Cover Up
2001: Ascot Stakes – Cover Up
2001: Eclipse Stakes – Medecean
2001: Eclipse Stakes – Medecean
2002: Queen Alexandra Stakes – Cover Up
2002: Queen Alexandra Stakes – Cover Up
2002: Ascot Stakes – Riyadh
2002: Ascot Stakes – Riyadh
2002: Bunbury Cup – Mine
2002: Bunbury Cup – Mine
2002: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Golan
2002: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – Golan
2002: Yorkshire Oaks – Islington
2002: Yorkshire Oaks – Islington
2003: Coronation Stakes – Russian Rhythm
2003: Coronation Stakes – Russian Rhythm
2003: Ascot Gold Cup – Mr Dinos
2003: Ascot Gold Cup – Mr Dinos
2003: Queen Alexandra Stakes – Cover Up
2003: Queen Alexandra Stakes – Cover Up
2002: Yorkshire Oaks – Islington
2002: Yorkshire Oaks – Islington
2003: Fillies’ Mile – Red Bloom
2003: Fillies’ Mile – Red Bloom
2004: Lockinge Stakes – Russian Rhythm
2004: Lockinge Stakes – Russian Rhythm
2004: Coventry Stakes – Iceman
2004: Coventry Stakes – Iceman
2004: Britannia Stakes – Mandobi
2004: Britannia Stakes – Mandobi
2004: Yorkshire Oaks – Quiff
2004: Yorkshire Oaks – Quiff
2004: Racing Post Trophy – Motivator
2004: Racing Post Trophy – Motivator
2005: Dee Stakes – Gypsy King
2005: Dee Stakes – Gypsy King
2005: Coronation Cup – Yeats
2005: Coronation Cup – Yeats
2005: Eclipse Stakes – Oratorio
2005: Eclipse Stakes – Oratorio
2005: John Smith’s Cup – Mullins Bay
2005: John Smith’s Cup – Mullins Bay
2006: Lockinge Stakes – Peeress
2006: Lockinge Stakes – Peeress
2006: Queen Anne Stakes – Ad Valorem
2006: Queen Anne Stakes – Ad Valorem
2006: King Edward VII Stakes – Papal Bull
2006: King Edward VII Stakes – Papal Bull
2006: Ascot Gold Cup – Yeats
2006: Ascot Gold Cup – Yeats
2010: Cumberland Plate – Brushing
2010: Cumberland Plate – Brushing
2012: Zetland Gold Cup – Danadana
2012: Zetland Gold Cup – Danadana
2012: St James’s Palace Stakes – Most Improved
2012: St James’s Palace Stakes – Most Improved
2012: Haydock Sprint Cup – Society Rock
2012: Haydock Sprint Cup – Society Rock
2012: Cesarewitch Handicap – Aim To Prosper
2012: Cesarewitch Handicap – Aim To Prosper
2013: Cheshire Oaks – Banoffee
2013: Cheshire Oaks – Banoffee
2014: King George V Handicap – Elite Army
2014: King George V Handicap – Elite Army
In Ireland
In Ireland
1999: Tattersalls Gold Cup – Shiva
1999: Tattersalls Gold Cup – Shiva
1999: Irish Oaks – Ramruna
1999: Irish Oaks – Ramruna
2004: Irish Oaks – Ouija Board
2004: Irish Oaks – Ouija Board
2005: Irish Derby – Hurricane Run
2005: Irish Derby – Hurricane Run
2005: Irish Champion Stakes – Oratorio
2005: Irish Champion Stakes – Oratorio
2006: Irish Derby – Dylan Thomas
2006: Irish Derby – Dylan Thomas
2006: Irish Oaks – Alexandrova
2006: Irish Oaks – Alexandrova
2006: Irish Champion Stakes – Dylan Thomas
2006: Irish Champion Stakes – Dylan Thomas
2007: Irish Champion Stakes – Dylan Thomas
2007: Irish Champion Stakes – Dylan Thomas
2007: Irish St Leger – Yeats
2007: Irish St Leger – Yeats
In France
In France
1998: Prix de la Foret – Tomba
1998: Prix de la Foret – Tomba
2005: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Hurricane Run
2005: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Hurricane Run
2007: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Dylan Thomas
2007: Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Dylan Thomas
In Germany
In Germany
1997: Grosser Preis von Baden – Borgia
1997: Grosser Preis von Baden – Borgia