Racing: Cecil snaps up 'exciting' Fallon

Kieren Fallon is to follow in the footsteps of many of the finest jockeys seen on the British turf when he takes over as stable jockey to the powerful Henry Cecil yard in 1977.

The appointment was announced last night, 48 hours after Fallon reached the 100-winner mark for this season - his first ton since he began riding in Britain eight years ago.

The Irishman has often seen controversy - including a six month ban up to March 1995 for violent or improper conduct after a clash with Stuart Webster at Beverley. Last autumn he threatened to return home after stewards imposed a series of bans for whip offences.

Fallon will be retained by Newmarket-based Cecil from the beginning of next season.

"Of the more mature young jockeys he's the most exciting I've seen," Cecil said last night. "I've got a good feeling about it. We've been lucky at Warren Place in that we helped to make Joe Mercer and Steve Cauthen champion jockeys and I'd like to think Pat [Eddery] will do it this year. There's no reason why Kieren shouldn't do the same in the future."