Irish jockey Kieren Fallon is to take his fight to the British High Court after the failure of his appeal against his ban from racing in the UK.
In a statement released through his solicitors, BCL Burton Copeland, Fallon said: “I am deeply disappointed by the refusal of the HRA (Horseracing Regulatory Authority) to overturn my suspension from riding in the UK.
“I will now take the matter to the High Court, and beyond if necessary, to reinstate my rights to earn a living in the UK and participate in the sport that I love.
“Until I have the chance to prove my innocence in court, it is grossly unfair that I am being denied a living in Britain.”
Fallon (aged 41) had been prohibited from riding in Britain by the HRA after being charged along with 10 others over a long-running police investigation into alleged horseracing corruption.
The six-time champion jockey, who is licensed in Ireland, appealed against the decision and his case was considered this week by the HRA’s appeal board.
He claimed the decision denied him his right to earn a living and could also effectively end his career as a leading jockey - and was therefore disproportionate.
However, the appeal board concluded the decision to prohibit him from riding in Britain until the end of his trial, or until further order, was “justified”.
“The appeal is dismissed,” it said in a statement.
The HRA revealed that Fallon's grounds for appeal were that “the decision had the effect of denying him his right to earn a living, and would also effectively end his career as a leading jockey and is disproportionate and accordingly unlawful”.
Fallon and his team also felt “the panel erred in law in declining to take into account any evidence and/or submissions on behalf of the appellant (Fallon) in respect of the underlying criminal charges which were the basis for the HRA’s decision to prohibit him”.
The HRA said that the board was asked by Fallon’s representatives to provide written reasons for its decision.
These will be produced as soon as possible.