Fallon back at the number one

Six time British Flat champion Kieren Fallon rode his first winner since making a surprise return to his native land in advance of the turf season which began last month. The success arrived when the Clare man teamed up with another Kieran, Purcell from Kilkenny in this case, aboard Oiche Mhaith Boy in the Coral.ie Download The App Handicap at Limerick.

Fallon made all on Oiche Mhaith Boy but he looked like he might be claimed by Pat Harkin when joined by that one two furlongs out.

However the successful three to one chance wasn't to be denied and he eventually beat his nearest opponent by four and a quarter lengths.

"He was tough, likes the ground and had the form," said Fallon.

"I asked him to quicken and he did and it surprised me as it's very soft here."

He added: "I'm from up the road in Co Clare and this is a good track; it's one of the best in the country and there's good racing here."

When asked was he enjoying his association with trainer Michael O'Callaghan, he said "ya, it's great - he (O'Callaghan) is going places."

The Stewards granted permission for the sixth and seventh races to be started by flag start as it was not practical to transport the stalls to these starts without causing damage to the racetrack.

(TW & EM)