Six-time champion jockey Kieren Fallon loves his son’s level-headed approach.
In a bold demonstration of aplomb and ability, Cieren Fallon secured his third Group One triumph recently aboard Montassib, and his legendary father, Kieren Fallon, was under no doubt whatsoever about the quality of it all. While Kieren could not get to Haydock to see his son ride the winner, he took great pride in all that his son had achieved for himself. His victory is also significant, coming at the end of three years since his last successes at the highest level, when he won with Oxted in 2020 and 2021.
Cieren's win at Haydock was significant because it marked his maiden top-level victory for his trainer, William Haggas, who has proved a masterly mentor to Cieren since the latter arrived as an apprentice. Having established himself in partnership with Oxted, who won both the July Cup and the King's Stand Stakes, Cieren has established a relationship with Montassib, a late-maturing sprinter who has proved an even more potent partner in Cieren's burgeoning career.
Observing from afar, Kieren Fallon was pleased with the way his son rode in the race, particularly with the timing of the winning run. "You can tell them a little bit, but you can't teach a person how to ride," Kieren said. He explained the art of knowing when to accelerate the skill Cieren demonstrated to perfection. "I think, 'Go on kick, why does he hold up? 'But he knows the horse better than me,' Kieren reflected, showing the balance between a father's instincts and a son's growing expertise.
A big price winner!
Montassib wins the Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes! 🏆#ITVRacing | @haydockraces | @CierenFallonJr | @WilliamHaggas pic.twitter.com/yoRthJyQo8
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) September 7, 2024
Despite the setbacks he experienced this season, including injuries that set him out for a good part of the year, Cieren has been a trooper, springing back repeatedly with the remarkable resilience quality Kieren particularly loves about him. "Not many things faze him," he said. Such an ability to shrug off disappointments has set Cieren apart in the even more competitive and sometimes unforgiving world of horse racing.
Kieren, who has had more than 50 winners each year since 2019, admitted he would sometimes struggle with mental issues, particularly with the setbacks during his illustrious career. "I would have been tearing my hair out while injured," he confessed. Kieren, on the other hand, indulged himself in other sports, such as rugby league and football, which allowed him a necessary mental break. This balance, he believes, is key to Cieren's enduring success.
The elder Fallon also has full confidence in the future of his son, considering that the character and sense of being able to keep rooted Cieren will make him better as he grows to be a jockey. "He loves his sport and can switch off," Kieren said, and keeping a proper perspective amidst a racing schedule is crucial. Although this father-son relationship remains exceptionally strong, anchored in mutual respect and shared passion for the sport, Cieren is all set to continue building on the initial achievements made. The coming seasons can look forward to Cieren's growth going from strength to strength with the mentorship of his very own father, who will understand well the peaks and troughs of racing.
