Kieren Fallon to return to racing at the Curragh

One of racing's most successful and controversial jockeys, Kieren Fallon, has surprised the sport again by teaming up with young Curragh based trainer Michael O'Callaghan.

Fallon, 50, had been riding in America over the winter but the six times former British champion jockey will be in action at the start of the Irish turf flat season at the Curragh on Sunday.

He has been pencilled in for three rides for O’Callagahan, including Military Angel in the Group 3 Lodge Park Stud Park Express Stakes.

“Kieren is one of the world’s most accomplished jockeys. I’m delighted he has joined our team,” O’Callaghan announced. “Kieren is delighted to be back in Ireland after a year and a half in the USA. We have a bit of paperwork to clear before Sunday but all being well, he will ride for us at the Curragh.”

He added: “Some of our owners, including Qatar Racing, retain their own jockeys but hopefully Kieren will be available to ride many of the others.”

Fallon, a triple Epsom Derby winner, has ridden for some of Europe’s top trainers during a turbulent career that has seen him serve drug bans and also get banned from British racing while facing race-fixing charges that were ultimately thrown out in 2007.

“Michael is a trainer going places and I jumped at the opportunity to get involved with his yard. He has a super set-up. This is a good move for me,” the Clare born jockey said.