PAT EDDERY will partner Epsom Derby winner Shaamit in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot a week on Saturday. He will take over from Michael Hills, who is once again committed to the big race favourite Pentire.
Eddery was due to ride Shaamit in the Coral Eclipse Stakes at Sundown until connections decided not to contest the race. But he gets a second chance to link up with the colt following the defeat of Lady Carla in Sunday's Irish Oaks.
The booking was confirmed yesterday by Maureen Haggas, wife of trainer William who is attending the Keeneland Sales. "Shaamit is in great form and the intention is for him to run in the King George," she said.
"William is not back until tomorrow but as things stand Pat will ride Shaamit at Ascot. When it was decided not to run in the Eclipse he agreed to ride him provided Lady Carla did not go to Ascot.
"Shaamit is in real good form. He is still an immature horse who doesn't want abusing. Having run in the Derby first time out, horses can sometimes disappoint if they run again too quick."
"He will he a better horse next year and, if we keep him, we don't want to use all the petrol now."
Kieren Fallon's agent yesterday pledged that the jockey will turn up for a rescheduled inquiry before the Jockey Club disciplinary committee this afternoon.
The Clareman's case was originally due to be heard last week but was held over when the jockey failed to arrive at Portman Square. "He will definitely be there at 4pm tomorrow," said Fallon's agent David Pollington. "He just had traffic problems last week but he is not riding tomorrow and he will be there."
Fallon, 31, was referred to Portman Square for riding at Southwell last November without first being declared fit to ride by a medical officer.
The committee will also consider whether he has breached the rule concerning attendance at an inquiry over his failure to arrive at last week's scheduled hearing.
. Conrad Allen equalled his winner target and moved to within £8,000 of his pre season prize money objective when saddling Sylvan Princess to score at Sundown yesterday.
