Why 2020 was an incredible year for jockey Cieren Fallon

The Wigan jockey backed up his remarkable breakthrough season with another incredible year in the saddle.

And his achievements were recognised when he became the first person to retain the Champion Apprentice title in 32 years.

Fallon secured his maiden Group successes with Oxted, firstly winning the Group 3 Abernant Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse in June and then returning to the same track to claim the Group 1 Darley July Cup in a thrilling victory.

He also rode 200-1 shot Intercessor to victory at Newbury – reportedly equalling the record for the longest-priced winner of a British flat race.

And he was recruited by Qatar Racing on a two-year deal, to be second rider behind champion jockey Oisin Murphy.

His proud mum Julie – herself a former jockey – admits even she has been surprised by his progress.

She said: “It has surprised me because, having been in the game, I know how tough it is. Some people may say, ‘He’s got the Fallon name’, but he still has to ride the horses and he’s still had to prove himself, and he’s done that.

“He still has a lot to learn but he knows that and he’s very driven to improve.

“He doesn’t get super-excited and he doesn’t get down either when things don’t go his way, so it’s a good mentality to have in a sport with so many highs and lows.” In total Fallon claimed 43 wins in the 2020 Apprentice Jockeys’ Championship – 23 victories ahead of second-placed Harrison Shaw.

In retaining his title, he repeated the achievement of Gary Bardwell who won consecutive Champion Apprentice titles in 1987 and 1988.

And what makes his rise even more impressive is the 21-year-old only got into racing at a late age.

Although he is the son of retired six-time champion jockey Kieren Fallon, he was more interested in football and rugby league as a youngster. Then one day he looked at photos of his father winning big races and decided he wanted to follow suit. He headed to the British Racing School, was supported by trainer William Haggas and the rest has been a short but successful history.

“Mr Haggas has been brilliant, really supportive,” said Julie, 54.

“You worry when your child leaves home but I spoke to Mr Haggis quite a lot and he checked in on him for me!”

Although now based in Newmarket, Fallon – a former pupil at St Wilfrid’s Primary in Standish – has not forgotten his roots.

He is friends with some of his former team-mates from Shevington Strikers football club, including James Eastham, Brandon Earlam and James Molyneux, while Julie says former coach Andy Williams was a “brilliant” mentor for him.

Fallon also played rugby league for Shevington Sharks, and is still in touch with Wigan players Sam Halsall and Umyla Hanley.

Indeed, he must be the only jockey whose sporting hero was Warriors’ ex-wrecking ball prop, Iafeta Paleaaesina!

“I’s been nice to have so much support from home,” added Julie.

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