TOM DASCOMBE admits it was a tough decision to to replace Richard Kingscote with Kieren Fallon aboard Brown Panther in Saturday’s Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster – but it one he has to take.

Kingscote has been long been riding for Dascombe first at Lambourn and now his first jockey at former Liverpool and England footballer Michael Owen’s Manor House Stable in Cheshire.

Kingscote has ridden Brown Panther in all his seven starts including his win in the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot and fifth-place finish in the German Derby.

He was also aboard the three-year-old colt when he finished second to one of his rivals for Leger glory, Census in the Geoffrey Freer at Newbury last time.

Brown Panther was among the 11 entries – including 11-8 favourite Sea Moon – for the final Classic of the season.

The Leger is the only British Classics Fallon has yet to win. He has been second twice from five previous attempts, but his big-race know-how was the reason Dascombe booked him to rideVictor Chandler’s 11-1 chance.

Dascombe said: “It has been a very tough, hard decision to make, but I spoke to Michael at length and it was decided on this occasion to go for a more experienced jockey. It has not been an easy decision, but it is the one we have come to. Richard has done a very good job, we just thought on this occasion that you don’t get too many chances to win a Classic.”

Among the Leger entries are three from Aidan O’Brien, although Seville is the only likely starter, while Blue Bunting bids for a third Classic win for Godolphin, with Rumh supplemented to set the pace.

TODAY’S NAP: Dubara Reef (3.30pm Leicester).