Champion jockey Kieren Fallon returned to racing on Saturday after receiving treatment for a drink problem.

He chose to make a low-key return at Lingfield's all-weather track on a day when most of the racing world's attention was focused on the big jumps meeting at Newbury.

The 37-year-old, who has undergone a 30-day rehabilitation programme at a clinic in Ireland, came 10th out of 12 on Duck Egg Blue in a maiden.

And he was also unplaced on his second ride of the day on Shami, who was sent off favourite but weakened in the closing stages.

Fallon has vowed to retain his champion jockey title this season despite revealing last month that alcohol was affecting his career as well as his family life.

The Irish jockey said that he had no fears about returning to riding.

"I haven't been nervous in races like the Derby, why should it be any different at a little track like this?" he said.