Best remembered for being a rogue
Former champion Fallon retires from the saddle
BY TONY O'HEHIR 9:27AM 4 JUL 2016
KIEREN FALLON has called quits on his successful but turbulent and controversial riding career because of on-going problems with depression, according to Turf Club chief medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick speaking on the jockey's behalf on Monday morning.
The six times British champion jockey, who is 51, has been riding in Ireland this season having linked up with Curragh trainer Michael O'Callaghan. He has not ridden since taking two rides at the Curragh on Irish Derby day (June 26).
McGoldrick said: "Kieren is suffering from severe depression. When he came to me before getting his licence to ride this year it was clear he was suffering from depression and I treated him with anti-depressants.
Health issues
"He told me that he hadn't intended to make a comeback but decided to do so having been encouraged by Michael (O'Callaghan). But he rang me last week and said his situation had got worse. I met him and on Sunday he told me he didn't feel strong enough to speak to anyone in the media about his situation and asked me to speak on his behalf.
"He told me that he has lost the motivation to continue his riding career and wanted people to know about his decision to retire. He said it was time to move on once his depression has been managed.
"In recent years he found himself suffering from profound fatigue but nothing physically wrong was found when doctors examined him."
Fallon, who has ridden nine winners from 115 rides in Ireland this season, rode 16 British Classic winners and six Irish Classic winners.
His many other top level successes included the Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe on two occasions, 30 winners at Royal Ascot and two victories at the Breeders' Cup.
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