Fallon appeal verdict due

Racing: Kieren Fallon is likely to know within the next 48 hours if he has succeeded in his bid to reduce the 18-month worldwide ban he received from France Galop in January for a second positive drugs test.

The six-times champion jockey made one final attempt to three judges d'appel, who are members of a 15-strong panel of experienced racing professionals, in Paris last week.

They have the option of either maintaining the ban, which is due to keep him out of racing until August 2009, or reducing the suspension.

"We have not heard anything yet. It may be by tomorrow night but I'm not sure about that. I think before Wednesday we will have the answer," said Herve Naggar, Fallon's agent in France.

Fallon incurred the suspension after testing positive for a banned substance following his winning ride aboard Sue Magnier's Myboycharlie in the Prix Morny at Deauville on August 19.

He only began riding in early June after completing a six-month ban for another positive test.

With Johnny Murtagh having been brought in to replace Fallon as first jockey to the Coolmore operation and trainer Aidan O'Brien, the six-time champion jockey has renewed his links with Sir Michael Stoute, for whom he will ride work this season.

Fallon rode as first jockey to Stoute from 2000 until joining O'Brien in February 2005.

© 2008 The Irish Times