Fallon set for return in desert

Kieren Fallon, on the sidelines since suffering a serious shoulder injury in a fall at Royal Ascot last June, is due to make his first competitive return to the saddle in Dubai tonight.

The three-time champion jockey, 4-7 to regain the riding championship crown next season with bookmakers Coral, will team up with Hunting Tiger in a handicap race at Nad Al Sheba.

Formerly trained by Mick Channon, the three-year-old is now under the care of American handler Kiaran McLaughlin.

Fallon, who will resume his partnership with champion trainer Sir Michael Stoute next season, has been riding out regularly in Dubai since arriving seven weeks ago.

Following major surgery in the summer to restore damaged nerves in his left shoulder, Fallon has undergone extensive physiotherapy.

The injury which at one time threatened to end his career, also cost him last year's jockeys' title, which was eventually won by northern rider Kevin Darley.

When the 2001 turf season begins in earnest, Fallon will be once again be chasing his goal of 200 winners in a season.

He completed the feat in the three previous seasons prior to the injury.

Meanwhile, on the jumping front, talented amateur rider Tom Scudamore is set for a spell on the sidelines after breaking three ribs in a fall at Wincanton's Boxing Day meeting.

Scudamore, who plans to undergo physiotherapy from Mary Bromiley, sustained his injury when Agassi's Ace fell at the first in the Ken Flood Novices Handicap Hurdle.

The son of former champion jockey Peter Scudamore hopes to start riding again in a couple of weeks time.