Kieren Fallon's legal nightmare took its latest step yesterday as the former champion jockey was released on unconditional bail after an appearance at the City Of London Magistrates Court.
Along with 10 others, Fallon appeared in court and was formally charged with conspiracy to defraud in a time frame that stretches from December of 2002 to September of 2004. The case is now set for Southwark Crown Court at a date that has yet to be decided.
Fallon's legal team are also currently preparing for a likely High Court case where the 41-year-old Co Clare-born rider will attempt to overturn a decision by the Horseracing Authority in Britain to ban him from riding in the UK on the back of the current race-fixing scandal.
An appeal to the sports ruling body in Britain was rejected last week and the decision has cast a major doubt over Fallon's ability to continue as number one jockey to the powerful Coolmore syndicate of owners John Magnier and Michael Tabor.
On Sunday, Fallon landed the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh, for trainer Aidan O'Brien who stressed his support for the jockey. Fallon didn't speak in court yesterday except to give his name, age and address.
Along with his fellow jockeys Fergal Lynch and Darren Williams, Fallon is accused of conspiring to defraud by dishonestly "agreeing not to permit diverse horses ridden by Fergal Lynch, Kieren Fallon or Darren Williams to run on their merits in that riding practices would, if necessary, be used which would interfere with the running of the horses and affect the result".
Also charged yesterday were trainer Alan Berry and blacksmith Steven O'Sullivan over the Hillside Girl affair at Carlisle on June 15th of 2003.
