Top Irish jockey Fallon retires because of depression

LONDON (AP) — Kieren Fallon, a six-time champion jockey in Britain, has retired from horse racing after suffering from depression.

Speaking on Fallon’s behalf, the chief medical officer for the Irish Turf Club said on Monday that Fallon has had depression for almost three years.

Dr. Adrian McGoldrick told Britain’s Press Association that Fallon has “quite profound depression,” and that he will be admitted to hospital in his native Ireland as soon as possible.

Fallon rode 16 winners in British classics and two winners in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, in 2005 and ’07. He was champion jockey in Britain six times from 1997-2003.

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In a controversial career, Fallon was cleared in 2007 of charges of fixing races, for which he was suspended for 17 months. He also was twice banned for failing drug tests.