Cieren Fallon "speechless" after Group One success

His dad, Kieren, claimed a staggering 47 Group One victories in his racing career, but the July Cup always eluded him.

Now, thanks to his son Cieren, the prize is in the family.

The Wiganer claimed a landmark victory aboard Roger Teal-trained Oxted at Newmarket yesterday - on just his second ride at the highest level.

"I'm speechless," Fallon said.

"I was just a passenger on a very good horse today. Mr Teal and his team have done a very good job with him.

"I can't believe I'm a Group One-winning jockey as an apprentice, never mind such a young age. I owe Roger so much for keeping faith with me.

"The feel he gives you this year, I couldn't tell I rode him last year, he feels a different horse."

Fallon - the leading apprentice last season - made history when the racing season restarted last month.

He won a novice race aboard a 200/1 shot - a joint-record for the longest-priced winner of a British flat race.

And the former St Wilfrid's Primary pupil - who played for Shevington Strikers and Shevington Sharks as a junior - followed that up with yesterday's triumph.

Frankie Dettori, another famous name never to win the July Cup, chased him home on Denis Hogan’s Irish raider Sceptical.

Golden Horde, the 2-1 favourite, was back in third for Clive Cox, but it was Oxted (12-1) who wrote his and his young jockey’s name into the history books.

"There was a bit of pressure, but I'd spoken to my dad beforehand, my jockey coach Michael Tebbutt and my boss Mr (William) Haggas, so I'm very lucky to have the support around me," continued Fallon.

"Dad just told me to jump out in a straight line and kick going into the dip and then see what's underneath me. What a horse.

"I've got a picture at home of us winning the Abernant, I'll have to get a bigger one of us winning the July Cup now!"