Retired star takes work-riding job for Godolphin in Dubai

Kieren Fallon has renewed old acquaintances by travelling out to Dubai for the winter to ride work for Godolphin.

The rider announced his retirement from the saddle in July through depression, following which he has been employed as a work-rider by William Haggas.

Kieren Fallon steers Elite Army to victory in the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot

Six-time champion Fallon, 51, has now opted to spend the winter in warmer climes with Saeed Bin Suroor, with whom he enjoyed much success in the past, including at the Dubai Carnival.

Fallon steered the subsequent World Cup winner Prince Bishop to a Group 1 win in the third round of the Maktoum Challenge in 2014 and had 81 rides in Britain in the blue colours later that year, which yielded a Royal Ascot win with Elite Army in the King George V Handicap.

It's unclear whether Fallon, who spent last winter in California, will reapply for his licence in the UAE, but at present he is concentrating on riding out at Al Quoz Stables, where Bin Suroor is expected to have a big team for the 2017 carnival when it commences in January.

Bin Suroor said: "We're happy to have Kieren riding out for us at the Al Quoz, where he is part of our work-riding team for the winter. We have worked well in the past and his feedback is very valuable."