Kieren Fallon will miss next week's Epsom Derby after picking up a three-day suspension at Ayr yesterday. He had the choice of riding either of Michael Stoute's pair at Epsom: ante-post favourite Golan or Dante Stakes winner Dilshaan.

The three-time champion was riding Alan Bailey's Distinctive Dream in the RS Design Handicap and the stewards found that his mount had interfered with Tancred Times (unplaced) well inside the final furlong before going on to finish third to Leaping Charlie and Maromito, beaten half a length and a head.

The officials also concluded that the interference was a result of irresponsible riding of a minor nature and gave Fallon the minimum of three days for that type of offence, but it starts on Derby Day, June 9th, and he will be sidelined on the following two days as well.

As he left the course he said he had not ruled out an appeal and added: "I will speak to Dave (Pollington, his agent) and see what he has to say - my horse (Distinctive Dream) ducked left but they (stewards) could not see that."

And he reflected that he might not have even made it to the Scottish track as he added: "We only caught the plane from Stanstead with a minute to spare."

Stewards' secretary Nick Vigors said: "If Mr Fallon decides to appeal he has got until Monday evening to lodge the appeal and it would be heard before the date of the start of the suspension. If the appeal failed the days of the suspension could not be changed."

In other Derby news Nayef, winter favourite for the Classic, was yesterday ruled out of the race by trainer Marcus Tregoning.

Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's colt has been disappointing in his two starts this season and last time finished eighth behind Golan in the Sagitta 2,000 Guineas.