Racing: Fallon contests ban

Kieren Fallon will today appeal against an 11-day ban imposed in Italy on Sunday, the jockey's agent Dave Polling said yesterday. If the plea fails, Fallon will miss the Epsom Derby meeting where is due to ride Reams Of Verse, a hot favourite in the Oaks, and 33-1 shot Symonds Inn in the Derby.

Fallon insists the Rome stewards overreacted in standing him down for so long after disqualifying his mount in the Italian Derby. Jimmy FitzGerald, who trains Symonds Inn, says he will reserve the ride for Fallon, despite speculation that a replacement is being sought.

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