KIEREN FALLON will take over as the number one jockey to the powerful Henry Cecil stable in 1997, it was announced last night. The Irishman, at present based with leading North of England trainer Lynda Ramsden, will be officially retained by Newmarket based Cecil from the beginning of next season.

Willie Ryan will remain the number two jockey at Warren Place with Tony McGlone also keeping his job as a rider at the stable. Pat Eddery, used extensively by the stable this season, will still ride on occasion for Cecil.

As in previous years, I've decided in the interests of my owners at Warren Place to retain a top jockey for next season, said the trainer.

"Kieren Fallon will be the first jockey for Warren Place. Willie Ryan, invaluable to the yard will continue as a more than capable number two and Tony McGlone will also be retained again.

"Pat Eddery will continue to ride when available and for the rest of this year I will do my best to help him become champion jockey. He's been a great friend and a great help to me this year and I hope he will ride for us again in the future if the opportunity arises."

Fallon, 31, has landed one of the plumb jobs in racing after finally putting behind him several brushes with the stewards in recent years. He reached his first century of winners this week and his services have become increasingly in demand from some leading trainers.

"Of the more mature young jockeys he's the most exciting I've seen," said Cecil. I think we get on very well together and I've got a good feeling about it.

"I've wanted somebody young as you've got to be thinking about the future. Kieren might have a few rides for me this year but the retainer doesn't begin until the start of the next season. He will be riding for all the owners in my yard.

"Kieren felt that the time was right for him to move down South and I hope he will be very happy here. We've been lucky at Warren Place in that we helped to make Joe Mercer and Steve Cauthen champion jockeys and I'd like to think Pat will do it this year. There's no reason why Kieren shouldn't do the same in the future."

Lynda Ramsden's husband Jack, speaking from their Sandhutton yard this evening, said: "We're thrilled he's got such a good job. It's thoroughly deserved and we wish him all the luck in the world."