Tag Archive for: Frankie Dettori

Epictetus takes Epsom honours with minimum of fuss

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Epictetus stated his claim for Classic honours by landing the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom.

A winner on debut last season, the John and Thady Gosden-trained colt went on to finish second in both the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket and Doncaster’s Vertem Futurity Trophy – where he chased home Betfred Derby favourite Auguste Rodin in heavy ground.

Having handled testing conditions adequately on Town Moor, soft ground on the undulations of Epsom held no qualms and Frankie Dettori aboard the 1-3 favourite was happy to let Andrew Balding’s Stormbuster and Charlie Johnston’s Hadrianus stride on in the early stages.

The gap closed as the field swung downhill towards Tattenham corner and Dettori was still holding on to plenty of horse when they straightened for home.

The Italian asked his mount to extend passing the two-pole and although getting lonely inside the final furlong, was kept up to his work under hands and heals to complete a successful reconnaissance of the Derby track.

Although seemingly not bowled over by the performance, Paddy Power, Betfair and Coral all went 20-1 from 25s about the winner for the premier Classic.

However, any decision about whether he will return to Epsom or go to Chantilly for the Prix du Jockey Club will be left until after he has taken part in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York on May 18.

Frankie Dettori celebrates on Epictetus after winning the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom
Frankie Dettori celebrates on Epictetus after winning the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom (Simon Marper/PA)

“It was very testing conditions today,” said John Gosden. “It was very deep and he hasn’t trained in anything like that this year. Frankie said he was a little bit lonely in front and he got to the front sooner than he wanted. He travelled well.

“He was looking about a little bit in front, but got tired on the ground as it is deep out there.

“He has wintered well and is a grand horse, but he hasn’t been training on that. He has gone and done it well and shown a good attitude, but just in the end he was looking about a bit and getting tired.”

On future plans, he continued: “We had this pencilled in for him all year. We will go to the Dante and take it from there.

“He may well be more a Prix du Jockey Club horse. Certainly his pedigree might indicate that. We will get to the Dante and make a decision.”

Dettori added: “The pace was even for that ground. I had him exactly where I wanted him to be.

“I thought beforehand Oisin (Murphy, on Stormbuster) was the one to beat. On this ground you can’t give them too much rope.

“I kicked with them at the two and then all of a sudden I found myself in front. He kind of idled a bit and it was the first time that the horse had been on grass for a long time. He has passed his test and I suspect we will run again one more time.

Frankie Dettori celebrates by leaping from Epictetus after winning the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom Downs
Frankie Dettori celebrates by leaping from Epictetus after winning the Weatherbys Digital Solutions Blue Riband Trial at Epsom Downs (Simon Marper/PA)

“I’d like to see him again (before deciding whether he stays a mile and a half). It is very hard to tell in these testing conditions.

“He got a mile and a quarter well on very testing ground and he hasn’t got much further to go, but perhaps a race like the Dante will give us a better clue. He is a very neat and balanced horse.

“His form is solid as he was second in the Vertem Futurity and he was entitled to come here and win. If you freeze the race at the furlong marker I was three (lengths) clear, but then you if look at the winning post I was three-parts clear. I was pleased with him.”

Dettori looks on in awe at unveiling of Epsom mural

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As Frankie Dettori fever builds at the beginning of the Italian’s last season in the saddle, Epsom unveiled a mural of the evergreen rider to commemorate his achievements at the track.

The mural, which measures 52ft by 23ft and has been installed on the side of the Duchess Stand at the Surrey track, captures the moment Dettori landed his second Derby aboard Golden Horn in 2015 and is accompanied by a quote from the 52-year-old giving his thoughts on the Premier Classic.

Dettori, who announced in December that 2023 would be his last in the saddle, first won the Derby on Peter Chapple-Hyam’s Authorized in 2007 and will have one last chance to add to the eight Classics he has won at Epsom during the two-day Derby meeting in June.

Prior to the track’s opening meeting of the season, he expressed his surprise at being honoured in such a fashion by the Jockey Club and leading street art specialist MurWalls.

“It was a big surprise! I was quite embarrassed when I first saw it, actually,” said Dettori.

“I love it. It is amazing, I’m gobsmacked really. Marc and the team at MurWalls have done a great job.

“It’s the young me and the older me. It was my biggest thrill in my racing career – the Derby in 2015 on Golden Horn. I’m glad it is there forever now. It looks great.

Frankie Dettori looks at a new mural of him unveiled at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Frankie Dettori looks at a new mural of him unveiled at Epsom Downs Racecourse (Simon Marper/PA)

“I have mixed feelings. It’s the end of an era, and it’s nice to be recognised with something as big as this. Epsom is a special place for me. I’ve had some great memories, lots of nice winners – two Derby wins, five Coronations, six Oaks. It’s been a good stamping ground for me.

“To be honoured with something like this at one of the most famous racetracks in the world is quite something.”

Dettori is still searching for a mount for the June 3 showpiece but remains steadfast in his plan to retire at the end of the season.

He added: “It would be amazing (to win the Derby again). I haven’t got a ride yet, but it will be amazing.

Frankie Dettori signs a new mural of him unveiled at Epsom Downs Racecourse
Frankie Dettori signs a new mural of him unveiled at Epsom Downs Racecourse (Simon Marper/PA)

“I’m not changing my mind (on retirement), October 21st at Ascot is my last day (in Britain).

“I’m trying to enjoy every moment. That’s why I gave myself plenty of time to enjoy it. I gave myself a year, or more of less, when I announced it in December.”

Dettori returned to British action last week after his winter stint in America, starting off at the Craven fixture before heading to Newbury where he was unshipped from his Qipco 2000 Guineas contender Chaldean as the stalls opened in the Greenham.

He went on: “These things happen. I’m glad the horse is fine. I’m going to go back on Saturday and sit on him again, because I didn’t get much of a feel. It’s one of those things. It was a freak thing.

“I’m pleased to be back and this mural is a good way to make me feel welcome again.”

Isaac Shelby puts the famous Sangster silks back in the limelight

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It may be remembered for the day Frankie Dettori and leading 2000 Guineas hope Chaldean parted company when receiving a bump at the start of the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes.

Yet it was also a welcome red-letter afternoon for the famous emerald green and blue silks of the Sangster family.

While the unfortunate Chaldean was loving life at Newbury without a rider on his back, Isaac Shelby and Sean Levey made the best of it up front and, unchallenged, won in the style of a good horse.

Paddy Power were quick to react to his success, making him an 8-1 chance for glory in the Guineas in a fortnight’s time but with trainer Brian Meehan seemingly favouring the French Guineas, you can probably treble that.

As a trial, those who put their hard-earned on the winner of the Greenham for the Guineas invariably keep those dastardly bookmakers in ice cream for the summer.

Consider the facts. Wollow won the Greenham and then the Guineas in 1976. It was another 35 years before Frankel did the double. The late Sir Henry Cecil was the master trainer of those outliers who successfully completed the feat.

Indeed, the last winner of the Newmarket colts’ mile Classic to run in the Greenham was nine years ago when Night Of Thunder, Isaac Shelby’s sire, went one better than he had done at Newbury.

So Meehan, tempted though he may be to head to Newmarket, may be right to head to France.

Isaac Shelby had won the Superlative on Newmarket’s July course, a different beast to the Rowley Mile where he subsequently finished last of seven in the Dewhurst when last seen in October. Worse still, he came out of that lame.

Sam Sangster, whose father Robert’s colours were carried to Guineas triumphs by the likes of Rodrigo De Triano, Lomond and El Gran Senor, and Derby victories by The Minstrel and Golden Fleece, may feel Newmarket is not to be sniffed at.

However, he was happy for now to bask in the moment and stick to the plan.

“It was fantastic,” said Sangster, who owns him as part of the Manton Thoroughbreds VII syndicate.

“We thought a lot of him as a two-year-old and we were not surprised when he won at Newmarket.

“Something was amiss in the Dewhurst and it wasn’t back to the drawing board for us, we just kept ticking over.

“He came back so well over the winter and we took him for a little run around at Lingfield. He was on point there, but ever since then he has just been improving more and more at home, so we came here with a lot of confidence. The way he won was very, very professional.

“But that is just him out and out. He has got a wonderful mind. He is just a real professional and seems to thrive every time he runs, so we are excited about the French Guineas, that’s for sure.

“We’ll obviously keep one eye on the British Guineas, but he loved that ground there today and I just think that (ParisLongchamp) will be a nice fit.

“I don’t think he is ground dependent, but the way he went through it today would give just cause to go to France.

“We can always take the boys on at Ascot. See how we go in France and then go to Ascot.”

Isaac Shelby may have had plenty fall his way in testing ground that was always going to have his rivals toiling to reel him back.

But rider Sean Levey felt he had plenty against him and overcame the odds to score readily.

He said: “To be honest, my horse ran a blinder under circumstances that I didn’t think really suited him – the first one being the ground, secondly the loose one actually lit me up. We ran keen for far longer than I would have liked.

“I think he proved himself in the Superlative on faster ground and then disappointed thereafter.

“He has obviously done well over the winter. He needed to improve and it looks as though he has.

“I did think he’d have to improve if the Guineas was going to be his route, but you can’t help but be fairly impressed with him today.

“Brian had the French Guineas on his mind but that could change. I think we always thought Newmarket wouldn’t suit.

“He has got the horse in a good place. He is a quality animal, but it is still early doors and it is not until after the Guineas you know what real quality is.”

While Isaac Shelby will likely skip HQ, the unfortunate Chaldean remains on course to emulate his sire.

Dettori explained: “He was getting a little bit restless in the stalls and I jumped a bit slow. I was half a length behind Charlie (Bishop, aboard Streets Of Gold). He veered right and we went left.

“He took the foot out of my iron and that was it – I was on the floor. Simple as that. I didn’t have time to think.”

Chaldean may, of course, still be up to the task, but missing this crucial test will not help his cause, especially since there are just two weeks between this particular trial and the Guineas.

Take nothing away from Meehan’s winner of what looked a reasonable renewal.

He looks the part, has all but filled his powerful frame, has a good eye, a powerful back end and somewhat stood out among nine other precocious boys of summer, who have begun to strut their stuff.

Those with deep pockets and unsound minds spend millions on these wonderful creatures. Still, there is no guarantee their genes will play the winning game their profile says they should.

Bubbles will undoubtedly be burst, for some today, for others later down the line. Perhaps a fortnight later.

Now, Chaldean is a very good horse. He has a bright future and will almost certainly win other top-class races. He remains at 5-1 for the Guineas, but if Andrew Balding did not have a tough enough task on his hands with the burden of history, now a lack of a thorough prep is on Chaldean’s powerful shoulders.

Dettori back with a bang as he embarks on final British campaign

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Frankie Dettori insists he will not start crying just yet, as he began his final season riding in the UK in the best possible fashion when partnering Covey to an easy victory at Newmarket on Tuesday.

Dettori announced in December that 2023 would be his last year in the saddle and the 52-year-old has just returned from a fruitful spell in America.

While there is no denying Dettori’s Italian roots, Newmarket has been his home since 1985 when he arrived in the UK as a teenager and it was fitting that his swansong season began on his doorstep.

The afternoon began in less than auspicious circumstances for him when the fancied Unforgotten trailed home in last in the Close Brothers Handicap.

Then he teamed up with an old pal in Reach For The Moon, who this time last year was intended to be Dettori’s Derby mount before he failed to recover from an injury in time for a Classic bid.

The 2021 Solario Stakes winner now appears to be going in the wrong direction as having made the running early in first-time blinkers, the King’s runner tamely dropped away to also be last.

It was not going well for Dettori – two rides, both last. But then Covey stepped up to the plate in the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes.

Sent off the 5-6 favourite having chased home the potentially smart Zoology at Southwell on debut two weeks ago, Dettori decided to take matters into his own hands.

Dettori has won many a big race from the front and those tactics suited this Juddmonte-owned son of Frankel down to the ground, with the race all but over with two furlongs to run. He ended up an easy four-length winner.

He may be in his 50s and he may have been deprived of sleep, but Dettori is still the biggest draw in racing and the three-times champion jockey received a generous reception on his return to unsaddle.

“I arrived this morning, I slept two hours on the plane and two hours in my bed this morning!” he said.

“I had to start somewhere and I thought this was a good favourite. Reach For The Moon was a bit disappointing, but that’s the game and it’s good to get a win on the board.

“I was counting it this morning, I’ve got exactly six months left. It is six months until October 21 on Champions Day, but I’ve still got plenty to do and I’m not going to start crying yet, I’m going to enjoy it.

“He seemed a nice horse, he did it all on his own and he’s learning still but he felt nice.”

Covey ran out an easy winner
Covey ran out an easy winner (Tim Goode/PA)

Covey is trained by John and Thady Gosden and after their rather public fallout last season, brief as it was, Gosden senior and his jockey appear back on the best of terms.

John Gosden said: “He only landed at 6am so it’s good to put him on a winner.”

Of Covey, he added: “He ran a great race first time, he’s come here, grabbed the rail and did everything nicely, he’ll probably step up to a mile.

“There are no plans, he was a bit sicky last year so he missed last year, but he made rapid progress this year which is the main thing.

“It was only two weeks since his debut and the horse who beat him is entered in the Greenham.”

Dettori kicks off final British campaign at Newmarket

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Frankie Dettori could be the star of the show on the opening day of Newmarket’s Craven meeting as he begins his final domestic campaign in the saddle.

The evergreen Italian announced his intention to hang up his boots following one last season in December and has since embarked on something of a world tour, spending Christmas and the early part of 2023 riding in the United States, with fleeting appearances at events such as the Saudi Cup and Meydan’s World Cup night.

He is now back in Newmarket as this season’s Classic contenders prepare to step out in the various trials and Dettori could hit the ground running on day one of three on the Rowley Mile.

The 52-year-old’s first taste of the action will be in the Close Brothers Handicap where he will don the royal blue silks of Godolphin aboard John and Thady Gosden’s Unforgotten, while he looks to have a fine chance of getting on the scoreboard with hot Clarehaven prospect Covey in the Alex Scott Maiden Stakes.

The Frankel colt bumped into the Greenham-bound Zoology when going down by a neck on debut at Southwell and Barry Mahon, of owners Juddmonte, believes he could develop into a smart colt this term.

He said: “You don’t expect to run into a 90-something rated horse in a novice at Southwell, but unfortunately he bumped into one.

“He ran Zoology all the way to the line, it was a big run and hopefully he can improve.

“I think he can be a very nice horse. He has always been a very impressive physical, he was just a bit immature last year.

“He was prone to respiratory infections and a couple of times when he was close to the races, he would give a few coughs and he just never made it to the track for that reason. I do think he can develop into a nice colt.”

On the return of Dettori, Mahon added: “The main man is back from California. He has had a good winter out there and rode plenty of winners and hopefully he is looking forward to being back here and getting going again.”

In the bet365 Earl Of Sefton Stakes – the feature of the seven-race card – Dettori will partner the King’s Reach For The Moon as he makes his return.

Frankie Dettori will again ride Reach For The Moon - here winning The bet365 EBF Novice Stakes at Newbury Racecourse
Frankie Dettori will again ride Reach For The Moon – here winning The bet365 EBF Novice Stakes at Newbury Racecourse (Alan Crowhurst/PA)

Once thought of as a Derby candidate, the Gosden-trained four-year-old has been gelded over the winter following an interrupted 2022 which saw the son of Sea The Stars hit the track on just three occasions.

He reappears sporting first-time blinkers with connections looking forward to the run.

“We are pleased with how Reach For The Moon has wintered and we are hoping for a bold show,” said the King’s racing manager John Warren.

Simon and Ed Crisford’s unbeaten Poker Face is the likely favourite for the Group Three contest, but it is no surprise that the first meeting of the year at Newmarket sees strong Godolphin representation in the form of Charlie Appleby’s course winner Ottoman Fleet and stablemate Blue Trail.

“Ottoman Fleet ran very consistently in Dubai, being placed in all his starts, and he’s come back in great shape. He’s a past winner on the Rowley Mile and he’s got to have a good chance.” the Moulton Paddocks handler told www.godolphin.com.

“Blue Trail was last seen winning emphatically by 11 lengths at Meydan and we know he’s a horse with an engine. If he can put it all together, he has the ability to win a race such as this.”

Kinross to give Dettori one final swing at July Cup glory

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Newmarket’s July Cup has been highlighted as the main summer target for Kinross, where he will be tasked with providing Frankie Dettori with victory in the only British Group One to elude him during his distinguished career.

The Ralph Beckett-trained six-year-old thrived in the second half of the 2022 season, embarking on a four-race winning streak in the hands of the Italian – which included victories in the Prix de la Foret and British Champions Sprint – before the run came to an end with a brave third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Kinross has started off in Haydock’s John Of Gaunt Stakes for the past two campaigns, but connections have decided to delay his return until Royal Ascot this time around, before moving on to Newmarket’s July Course in a bid to land a signature blow during Dettori’s season-long swansong.

“Kinross has wintered really well,” said Jamie McCalmont, racing manager for the owner, Marc Chan.

“He has come out of a hard end-of-season campaign in great form and we will be concentrating on a latter-half of the year campaign with him again.

“He will start off at Royal Ascot and I think both the trainer and jockey are keen to try to win the July Cup. That is the one Group One race I think that Frankie hasn’t won in England.

“That is the major target for now and then after that, do we try to stretch him out to a mile?”

He went on: “He can’t run in the Jacques Le Marois because geldings can’t run in that race, while we know he loves Goodwood. If the ground was to his liking at Goodwood, I could easily see him running in the Sussex Stakes. But for now he isn’t going to run until Ascot.”

It will be top-table assignments only for Kinross this season, with his 2023 journey set to conclude at Sha Tin on December 10, where the son of Kingman will be aimed at representing his locally-based owner in the Hong Kong Mile.

“He’s now a six-year-old and Marc quite rightly thinks we should only run in Group One races and not waste our bullets,” continued McCalmont.

QIPCO British Champions Day – Ascot Racecourse
Kinross and jockey Frankie Dettori after winning the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot (John Walton/PA)

“I think Hong Kong is more than likely and that is kind of really why we are starting off later in the season.

“With Marc living in Hong Kong, he naturally would love to have a horse run on Longines Day and Hong Kong is very much in our plans. It would definitely be the mile race, there’s no doubt about that, but it a long way away from now.”

Dettori turns to Country Grammer for fairytale farewell to Dubai

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As he prepares for his final Dubai World Cup ride on the 2022 winner Country Grammer, the magnitude of the occasion this weekend will not be lost on Frankie Dettori.

With so many special Dubai moments adorning his glittering record, the Italian will be seeking a fifth triumph in the $12million spectacular aboard a horse he says “is all heart and will run to the end”.

Dettori’s first World Cup victory came aboard Dubai Millennium in the 2000 renewal, adding further successes with Moon Ballad (2003) and Electrocutionist (2006) at the race’s original venue of Nad Al Sheba before it moved to Meydan in 2010.

Having enjoyed a long association with Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin operation, Dettori has seen the race’s growth in stature first hand and ranks his inaugural winner as the best he has partnered.

Dubai Millennium was Dettori's first World Cup winner
Dubai Millennium was Dettori’s first World Cup winner (Martyn Hayhow/PA)

He said: “I worked for Godolphin for 18 years and spent many months with my wife and with my kids here as they were growing up.

“I’ve seen it develop from Cigar at the first World Cup at Nad Al Sheba to this impressive course with its fantastic grandstand that Sheikh Mohammed created.

“Dubai Millennium is the best horse I’ve ridden. Now I’m not riding for Godolphin, but there are so many great memories.”

Dettori teams up with the Bob Baffert-trained Country Grammer for a second successive year, having come in for the winning ride when Flavien Prat opted to partner eventual runner-up Hot Rod Charlie 12 months ago.

Despite suffering from jet lag, Dettori rode the horse in work at 4am in midweek and is full of hope of a title defence despite a high draw in stall 14, with only habitual front-runner Panthalassa on his outside.

Country Grammer was beaten three-quarters of a length by that Japanese-trained contender on his latest start in the Saudi Cup, but the extra furlong here is a factor in his favour.

Dettori said: “Last year we thought Life Is Good was unbeatable, but at the four (hundred metre) pole he collapsed.

“This time it won’t be easy from the 14 draw and it is a competitive race, but one thing for sure is that Country Grammer is all heart and I know he will run to the end. I can’t say a bad word about this horse because he’s all guts.”

Country Grammer has shown a tendency to hit a flat spot and get outpaced midway through his races, and Dettori added: “In the San Antonio he got outpaced, but he doesn’t know how to give up.

“Right now, I’m just thinking about getting the job done on him.”

Dettori produced a brilliant ride aboard Trawlerman at York last year
Dettori produced a brilliant ride aboard Trawlerman at York last year (Mike Egerton/PA)

Dettori also rides for Baffert aboard Worcester in the UAE Derby and Hopkins in the Golden Shaheen, while Caspar Fownes’ Senor Toba is his mount in the 12-furlong Sheema Classic and Raaed, trained in Saudi Arabia, is his Al Quoz Sprint hope.

His old ally John Gosden – now training in partnership with son Thady – has two challengers, with Lord North bidding for a third Dubai Turf verdict and Ebor winner Trawlerman, who benefitted from an excellent Dettori ride in winning at York last year, going for glory in the Dubai Gold Cup after finishing down the field in Riyadh last month.

The rider said: “I expect Trawlerman to improve from his last run, then there are Bob Baffert’s three on the dirt which is their bread and butter.

“I rode Lord North on the training track on Thursday morning and he’s in good form ahead of the Turf. I’ve also picked up a ride for Caspar Fownes in the Sheema Classic.”

Royal Ascot has been a happy hunting ground over the years for Dettori
Royal Ascot has been a happy hunting ground over the years for Dettori (Adam Davy/PA)

Dettori has been plying his trade in America over the winter as the beginning of his farewell tour and expects to return there next week to ride in trials for the Kentucky Derby – although only a “superstar” is likely to prevent him from riding at Newmarket’s Guineas meeting in May.

He explained: “My agent in the States, Ron Anderson, does everything for me, but unless I find a superstar there, I expect I’ll be back in Newmarket to ride Chaldean in the Guineas.

“Then it will be my last Royal Ascot and that will be very emotional, followed by more touring and a return to Newmarket and Ascot in the fall and another Arc.

“After Champions Day, I shall make my way to California and prepare for the Breeders’ Cup. The plan is then to go to Australia or Japan, but I’m keeping all options open and Santa Anita could be (the place for) my last ride.”

Chaldean to prep for 2000 Guineas bid in Greenham

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Leading 2000 Guineas contender Chaldean will tune up for his tilt at the opening Classic of the season in the Watership Down Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham Stakes next month.

Andrew Balding’s son of Frankel is the general third-favourite behind the Aidan O’Brien-trained pair of Auguste Rodin and Little Big Bear for the Newmarket showpiece (May 6) on the back of an impeccable juvenile season.

Although only fifth at Newbury on debut, he soon returned to the Berkshire track to set the record straight before picking up a further three victories at two – ending the year by claiming Group One honours on the Rowley Mile in the Dewhurst Stakes in October.

Chaldean (right) ridden by Frankie Dettori on way to winning Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse
Chaldean (right) ridden by Frankie Dettori on way to winning Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket Racecourse (Tim Goode/PA)

It will again be Newbury where Chaldean starts his campaign and owners Juddmonte will be hoping the super-talented colt can uphold their fine record in the seven-furlong Group Three having seen both the imperious Frankel (2011) and Kingman (2014) taste success in the renowned Guineas trial in recent times.

“I spoke to Andrew (Balding) this morning and he was very happy with him,” said Barry Mahon, Juddmonte’s racing manager.

“He said he worked nicely on Saturday and all being well he is set to take his place in the Greenham and then we will see where we go from there.”

Chaldean was ridden by Frankie Dettori in his final two starts of last season and the Italian will be given the opportunity to maintain the duo’s unbeaten partnership if returning from his winter spell in California in time for one final crack at the Rowley Mile’s early-season feature.

“If Frankie comes back from America in time then he will ride him,” continued Mahon.

“When we were all in the parade ring after the Dewhurst we sort of made that agreement and the Abdullah family are happy to stick by it. So as long as he doesn’t get a ride in the Kentucky Derby, I’m sure he will be back to ride him.

Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount after winning the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on Chaldean at Newmarket
Frankie Dettori performs a flying dismount after winning the Darley Dewhurst Stakes on Chaldean at Newmarket (Tim Goode/PA)

“It would be great as he has been such a phenomenal man for the sport. He’s been one of the best jockeys in the world for the past 20 years so it would be great to see him going out on a high and getting a few Group One winners during his last summer.”

Sir Michael Stoute’s Nostrum is another high-class prospect in the famous pink and green silks of Juddmonte for connections to get excited about as the Flat turf season draws ever near.

Only seen three times last term, the Kingman colt was a taking winner of the Tattersalls Stakes over the 2000 Guineas course and distance in September before his inexperience cost him when third behind Chaldean over a furlong less in the Dewhurst.

The likeable bay holds entries in the Newmarket, Irish and French Guineas and Mahon suggest he could make his reappearance in one of those, sure to be, red-hot assignments.

“Michael is very happy with Nostrum, he’s ticking along nicely,” added Mahon.

“He hasn’t really set any targets for him yet and I don’t think he will run in a trial. He could go straight to a Guineas, but we haven’t decided which one yet.”

Classic hero Westover hunting Sheema success in Dubai

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Westover makes his return in the Longines Dubai Sheema Classic on Saturday, with connections hoping he has made the required progress to build on his three-year-old campaign.

Ralph Beckett’s charge was the winner of Sandown’s Classic Trial on his seasonal bow last term and went on to be a somewhat unlucky loser when third in the Derby at Epsom before setting the record straight with a destructive performance in the Irish equivalent.

However, things did not go completely to plan for the son of Frankel following Classic success at the Curragh.

He raced far too keenly when a well-beaten favourite in the King George at Ascot in July, before being freshened up and ending his campaign with a respectable sixth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Now he heads to Meydan on World Cup night aiming to take the first step on the path to all the top middle-distance contests throughout the upcoming Flat turf season.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him,” said Barry Mahon, racing manager for owners Juddmonte. “He’s a Classic-winning three-year-old and these are the races you have to compete in when you stay in training at four.

“We’re looking forward to getting him going and I think Ralph and his team are happy with him, so we’re hoping for a good run.

“When you are capable of winning Classics at three, you don’t have to improve a lot to be in the mix again in the big races at four and hopefully he is set for a nice four-year-old campaign.”

Both Rob Hornby and Colin Keane rode Westover during his three-year-old season, but the Frankel colt will be partnered for the first time by Ryan Moore in the £3million contest – with Mahon delighted to have acquired the services of one of the world’s leading riders.

Ryan Moore will ride Westover in his Dubai return this Saturday
Ryan Moore will ride Westover in his Dubai return this Saturday (Mike Egerton/PA)

He continued: “Between Australia, Hong Kong and everywhere else, Ryan is a top-class rider. He rides for us when he can and we’re happy to have him.”

The Christophe Lemaire-ridden Equinox, Hong Kong Vase winner Win Marilyn and last year’s champion Shahryar form a strong Japanese hand for the mile-and-a-half Group One.

Elsewhere in the race, Mostahdaf represents John and Thady Gosden following his recent romp in Saudi Arabia, while William Buick is the most successful rider in the race and bids for a fifth victory aboard Charlie Appleby’s Breeders’ Cup Turf hero Rebel’s Romance.

Country Grammer and Frankie Dettori after winning the Dubai World Cup
Country Grammer and Frankie Dettori after winning the Dubai World Cup (Neil Morrice/PA)

It could be a big evening for the Moulton Paddocks handler who is well represented in the Al Quoz Sprint by Super Saturday scorer Al Suhail, has Siskany currently listed as favourite for the Dubai Gold Cup and saddles both Nations Pride and Master Of The Seas in the Dubai Turf.

Frankie Dettori reunites with the Gosden-trained Lord North as the seven-year-old attempts to return to the winner’s circle for the third straight year in that nine-furlong event, while the evergreen Italian teams up with US handler Bob Baffert to ride both Worcester in the UAE Derby and defending champion Country Grammer in the Dubai World Cup.

Currently locked with Jerry Bailey on four victories in the feature contest, Dettori will have the chance to become the outright most successful jockey in the Carnival’s 10-furlong showpiece as he brings the curtain down on his Meydan riding career.

Mostahdaf apart, Saudi Cup day proves hard work for British runners

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The British flag was gloomily lowered in a sunlit corner of the globe yet again on Saturday when long-absent 2021 Ascot Gold Cup winner Subjectivist began his comeback in a noble yet unequivocal defeat.

He came only 12th of 13 in the $2.5million Red Sea Turf Handicap, beaten 10 lengths by Japan’s Silver Sonic.

The British contingent began to have a sinking feeling as soon as Joe Fanning rounded the bend at the end of the back straight. There was no burst of brilliant acceleration as in many of his other races, no hint of the imperiousness shown in his finest hour at the royal meeting two years ago.

Subjectivist could not even get close to Get Shirty, who came third, while the real battle was fought between Silver Sonic and Enemy who had finished 14th in the Ebor before winning a Dubai handicap, but not a horse on any previous reckoning in Subjectivist’s division.

Silver Sonic strode away to win by two and a half lengths. Subjectivist did not add to his bank-balance, although his owner, Scottish-born, Hong Kong-based economist Dr Jim Walker will survive.

After winning the Group One Prix Royal-Oak, Dubai Gold Cup and Ascot Gold Cup, Subjectivist’s winnings have just squeezed over the £750,000 mark. A win would have given him an additional £1.25m.

After the race came one of those jockey-trainer conversations between Fanning and Charlie Johnston which consist mostly of gesticulations, shrugs and quiet pauses. The significant sign language consisted of Fanning drawing his hands in to indicate the horse did not respond enough to his restraint.

Johnston has learned plenty from his father, for he was philosophical and consoling; it may be imagination, but one felt that the saddest figure in the tableau was Subjectivist, who could not utter an explanation.

A total of 618 days have passed since he cantered all over his rivals in the 2021 Ascot Gold Cup. Johnston, quite understandably, felt the lay-off with a near-fore tendon injury – which, but for mastery, patience and possibly wizardry, almost ended his career – made the difference.

“He was just too keen and I said to Joe this morning when we walked the track, that the couple of days he’d been on the track that he was just a bit too full of himself,” he said.

“The main thing now is he comes back in one piece and he’s shown that the enthusiasm for it is still there. We’ll lower our sights and we’ll go a bit closer to home, then find out where we are.

“I’m not too disappointed. I knew four out he was in trouble, because at that stage in Dubai and Ascot, that’s when he starts putting others to the sword and that wasn’t there.”

The trainer had a touch of triskaidekaphobia when the draw was made. Unlucky 13 it certainly was, leaving Fanning no choice but to go forward from the gate in the mile and seven-furlong contest.

Sunjectivist was lit up early and Fanning, himself recently coming off a lengthy injury, will doubtless feel a little sore in the shoulders after battling in vain for restraint.

Although a few months to go, Subjectivist’s defeat may be especially bad news for Royal Ascot’s marketeers, with Kyprios now almost certain to repeat his Gold Cup success and maintain his position as one of the finest stayers in history. For time is on the youngster’s side. Though only a year older at six, time lost has been an enemy of the Johnston team.

His trainer was philosophical, however, and added: “We knew what we are asking him to do was a big, big ask, but at the same time, where do you take the horse that won the Ascot Gold Cup last time out?”

This may have not been a day to extol European racing – the Brits were the ones who were defeated in every race bar one they entered, the gallant Mostahdaf, under an imperious ride from Jim Crowley, took the Group Three Neom Turf Cup in which George Boughey’s Missed The Cut was disappointing.

It was the same, too, for the Americans, with Bill Mott’s Elite Power finally giving the fans what they wanted – an armchair ride from Frankie Dettori, who scored by the proverbial country mile on the Juddmonte-owned “aeroplane” in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint.

Aside from that, the American horses were a little disappointing, the deeper dirt surface – which Dettori extolled as perhaps the best in the world – not playing to their strengths.

Yet it was still one heck of a day’s racing. Over 20,000 good-tempered local racegoers turned up at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse.

In the £20m Saudi Cup, the most valuable in the sport, Dettori stormed home late to take second on Country Grammer behind the Japanese-trained Panthalassa – the Bob Baffert-trained challenger finishing in the same spot as he did 12 months ago when ridden by Flavien Prat.

It was Japan’s third success of the evening – thanks to a brilliant ride from Yutaka Yoshida in a race where the Japanese-trained horses filled the first five places except the runner-up spot. There were also two victories for locally-trained horses, whose owners pocketed a combined $1.5m.

The people trying to turn the Saudi Cup event into something akin to a transglobal Super Bowl still have some way to go, but they are making this an established fixture on the international racing calendar – even though this was not a day for the Brits to truly celebrate.