But he has not lost the ability which has won him three jockeys’ championships and he showed why he is back in demand by turning certain defeat into narrow victory on Russian Rhythm at York.

His mount put up a remarkable display to overcome trouble in running and land the Peugeot Lowther Stakes, and is now red-hot favourite for next year’s 1000 Guineas.

But it was the persistence of the champion jockey, who has just been handed back the rides on horses owned by Saeed Suhail and Maktoum Al Maktoum which he had temporarily lost, which was the key.

Many another rider would have given up on the 8-13 favourite when she was stopped in her run by front-running Wunders Dream entering the final quarter-mile of today’s Group Two contest.

But Fallon would not be denied, switching his mount round the leader and then overcoming a further slight block from Frankie Dettori on Romantic Liason.

Russian Rhythm responded by showing an amazing turn of speed once clear to lead inside the final 100 yards for a length-and-quarter win from Danaskaya.

Reflecting on his troubled run, Fallon said: ‘‘I thought the race was over as I thought I had no chance of recovering. Then Frankie kept the gap shut but I got lucky.

‘‘Russian Rhythm is a tough filly and she did it well.’’

Fallon has partnered several good horses at the Ebor meeting, winning the Yorkshire Oaks on Islington and going close on Golan in the Juddmonte International Stakes.

But he said of this filly: ‘‘She was the one I was looking forward to riding most of all this week.

‘‘I have always liked her since I first rode her at home in March. She showed at home she is a decent filly and she has come here and proved it.

‘‘She has got everything you need. She has got gears, she travels well and she has got a good temperament - she is just a perfect filly.’’

Russian Rhythm has been Guineas favourite since winning last month’s Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot and she is now quoted as short as 5-2 for the Classic by the Tote (from 4-1), though Coral offer 4-1 and Paddy Power 9-2.

Reacting to her victory in a race won by subsequent 1000 Guineas winners Cape Verdi and Harayir in the past decade, trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: ‘‘All ended well!.

‘‘I thought the race was over when she got stopped but she has so much class she was able to overcome it. Not many can do what she did. She has acceleration and guts.

‘‘She looked good at Ascot and she has confirmed it today. She will probably run next in the Cheveley Park Stakes.’’

She will be bidding for a third win in that Group One contest at Newmarket on October 2 for owners the Cheveley Park Stud, who took it with Gay Gallanta in 1994 and Regal Rose two years ago.

The Stud bought Russian Rhythm for 440,000 guineas (€690,000) as a yearling at the Houghton Sales in Newmarket last autumn and managing director Chris Richardson recalled: ‘‘She was a smashing filly, beautifully-balanced and athletic.

‘‘We felt we would struggle to buy her but luckily she was early in the sales - she was only lot three.’’