Country Grammer is on course to give Frankie Dettori a landmark winner in the Saudi Cup, in what is the jockey’s final year in the saddle.
The Bob Baffert-trained six-year-old was partnered by the Italian to glory in the Dubai World Cup in March last year, and Dettori was reunited with the son of Tonalist when he kicked off his spell riding in Santa Anita on Boxing Day.
Country Grammer could hardly have looked better in landing short odds in the Grade Two San Antonio Stakes, on a night where Dettori struck three times from five rides.
Baffert – whose Charlatan was upset by Mishriff in the inaugural running of the world’s most valuable race – can also call on the high-class Taiba, a Grade One winner on the same Santa Anita card courtesy of the Malibu Stakes.
Further strength to the American challenge could come in the shape of Kentucky Derby hero Rich Strike, while last year saw a shock success for the locally-owned and trained Emblem Road who may well return to defend his crown.
A second victory would make the son of Quality Road the highest-earning thoroughbred in history with $20.2million to his name, ahead of Australian wondermare Winx who totalled $18.3m by the end of her record-breaking career.
George Boughey’s Missed The Cut is engaged for Britain, as is John and Thady Gosden’s Mostahdaf, the Charlie Appleby-trained Rebel’s Romance, Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Saffron Beach, William Knight’s Sir Busker and Simon and Ed Crisford’s hugely impressive Dubai winner Algiers.
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Another year of highs and lows – there was certainly a surprise or two thrown in during 2022. We reflect on a year that saw the deaths of legendary jockey Lester Piggott and the Queen, the crowning of Baaeed as the best British runner since Frankel and a rollercoaster ride for Frankie Dettori, who faces a seminal 2023 after announcing the beginning of the end…
January
Shishkin got the better of Energumene at Ascot (Adam Davy/PA)
:: Crack two-milers Shishkin and Energumene served up a real treat for Ascot racegoers in an epic battle for the Clarence House Chase. Shishkin looked in trouble at one stage, but dug deep after the last to reel in his rival and prevail by a length in a race that really lived up to its billing.
:: On the same afternoon Douvan’s full-brother Jonbon confirmed himself a smart prospect in victory at Haydock.
February
Oisin Murphy was banned for 14 months following a BHA hearing (Nigel French/PA)
:: Three-times champion jockey Oisin Murphy was banned for 14 months after admitting to breaking Covid rules, misleading the British Horseracing Authority and prejudicial conduct, plus two alcohol breaches. The rider, who was also fined £31,111, will not return before February 16, 2023.
March
Rachael Blackmore wrote her name into the history books again (David Davies/PA)
:: Rachael Blackmore secured her place in the record books as she became the first female jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard A Plus Tard. In another stellar Festival for the rider and trainer Henry de Bromhead, Honeysuckle defended her Champion Hurdle title, while Bob Olinger was a fortunate winner of the Turners Novices Chase as Galopin Des Champs crashed out at the last when miles in front.
:: The Champion Chase rematch between Energumene and Shishkin fell flat, with Shishkin never looking happy and eventually pulled up. The ground was put forward as the obvious reason for his below-par effort in the immediate aftermath, but it later transpired Shishkin was suffering from a rare bone condition.
April
Sam Waley-Cohen enjoys a fairytale finish to his career in the Grand National (David Davies/PA)
:: Amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen enjoyed a fairytale finish to his career as he steered Noble Yeats to a shock 50-1 success in the Randox Grand National. Waley-Cohen bowed out a winner of both the Aintree highlight and the Cheltenham Gold Cup – a feat only a handful of professional jockeys achieve, let alone an amateur.
May
Lester Piggott died at the age of 86 (John Walton/PA)
:: Lester Piggott, the epitome of a racing legend, died aged 86 in Switzerland. An 11-times champion jockey, Piggott won no less than 30 British Classics during his lengthy career in the saddle, steering some true giants of the turf to victory – including nine Derby winners.
:: Charlie Appleby made history as he landed the English, French and Irish 2000 Guineas courtesy of Coroebus, Modern Games and Native Trail.
June
Desert Crown was given a cool ride at Epsom by Richard Kingscote (Tim Goode/PA)
:: Sir Michael Stoute won the Derby for the sixth time, with the Richard Kingscote-ridden Desert Crown oozing class on the Epsom Downs. A subsequent setback ruled him out for the rest of the season, although he is expected to return in 2023.
:: High drama – and long faces – at Royal Ascot, with John Gosden and owner Bjorn Nielsen critical of Frankie Dettori’s ride on Stradivarius in the Gold Cup won by Kyprios.
:: Dettori bounced back to win the Coronation Stakes the following day on Inspiral, but the tension remained palpable and the following week the pair issued a statement in which they agreed to a “sabbatical” in their long-standing partnership.
:: Having missed out on running at Royal Ascot, Trueshan produced a fine weight-carrying performance to win the Northumberland Plate to wide acclaim.
July
Frankie Dettori and John Gosden at Newmarket, after the victory of Mighty Ulysses (Tim Goode/Jockey Club)
:: The much-publicised “sabbatical” did not last too long, and Dettori and Gosden were back together – and winning – with Mighty Ulysses at Newmarket.
:: In the week’s feature – the July Cup – Alcohol Free showed she retained plenty of her old pace to pick up her fourth Group One. The Andrew Balding-trained filly would later sell for 5.4 million guineas at auction.
:: Five meetings were called off due to the unprecedented heatwave that swept the country.
:: Dettori agreed to relinquish the ride on Stradivarius and he was partnered by Andrea Atzeni when he took on Ascot Gold Cup winner Kyprios and Trueshan in the Goodwood Cup. Kyprios came out on top to cement himself as the king of the division.
:: The British Horseracing Authority announced an overhaul of the whip rules – to start in the new year – with disqualification a possibility for winners whose riders have severely contravened the revised regulations and whips are also restricted to the backhand position.
August
Baaeed successfully stepped up at York (Mike Egerton/PA)
:: With nothing left to prove in the mile division, Baaeed stepped up in trip to put his rivals to the sword in the Juddmonte International at York. He thrilled the Knavesmire crowd with his decisive change of gear, leaving defending champion Mishriff – a six-length victor in 2021 – toiling.
September
A tribute on Doncaster’s big screen following the death of the Queen (Tim Goode/PA)
:: Racing mourned the death of the Queen, described as “racing’s greatest friend” by Frankie Dettori. A prominent owner and breeder, both on the Flat and over jumps, the Queen won every Classic except the Derby, in which she came desperately close with Carlton House in 2011. All racing was called off as a mark of respect on September 9 and 10, with the St Leger staged on Sunday.
:: Christophe Soumillon was banned for two months after appearing to elbow Rossa Ryan out of the saddle in a race at Saint-Cloud. The incident also cost him his position as retained rider to the Aga Khan, who terminated the contract a few days later.
October
Alpinista signed off in style with an Arc victory (Alan Crowhurst/PA)
:: Sir Mark Prescott enjoyed the “best day” of his racing life when Alpinista capped a six-race unbeaten run with a gutsy success in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, swooping late for a famous victory in the hands of Luke Morris on what transpired to be her final career start. Soumillon finished second on Vadeni.
:: There was no perfect finale to the career of Baaeed, who was beaten for the first time in the Champion Stakes as Stoute again worked his magic, this time with Bay Bridge.
:: Kevin Manning did enjoy a dream ending to his riding career though, announcing his immediate retirement after riding one last winner for father-in-law Jim Bolger at Galway.
November
Modern Games wins at the Breeders’ Cup once again for William Buick and Charlie Appleby (PA)
:: Appleby proved himself to be the King of Kentucky as he recorded another three Breeders’ Cup victories at Keeneland. Mischief Magic (Juvenile Turf Sprint), Modern Games (Mile) and Rebel’s Romance (Turf) were the Moulton Paddocks scorers.
:: Not to be outdone, there were also three victories for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore who combined to find the scoresheet with Meditate (Juvenile Fillies’ Turf), Victoria Road (Juvenile Turf) and Tuesday (Filly and Mare Turf).
:: However, the star of the show in Lexington was Flightline, who bowed out with an emphatic victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. A 2.5 per cent fractional interest was later sold for $4.6 million.
:: Constitution Hill made a flawless return to action in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, prompting bookmakers to make him an odds-on Champion Hurdle favourite.
December
Frankie Dettori announced his retirement date (Steven Paston/PA)
:: Frankie Dettori surprised the racing world as he announced he would retire from the saddle at the end of 2023. He had already previously said he would go to Santa Anita for the winter and his spell could have got off to a better start, as he bagged three winners from five rides on Boxing Day.
:: Just 24 hours later, Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning rider Davy Russell retired with immediate effect after riding a winner at Thurles.
:: Honeysuckle’s 16-race unbeaten streak was snapped at Fairyhouse as the star mare could finish only third behind Teahupoo and Klassical Dream in the Hatton’s Grace.
:: Bravemansgame lifted the King George VI Chase at Kempton, while Constitution Hill racked up another bloodless success in the Christmas Hurdle.
:: The Leopardstown Christmas Festival belonged to Willie Mullins, with his tally of 13 winners across the four days including a remarkable six-timer on day two. Star novice Facile Vega and Champion Hurdle hopeful State Man were two of his most notable scorers.
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Dubai World Cup hero Country Grammer starred in a Boxing Day treble for Frankie Dettori at Santa Anita.
Earlier this month the popular Italian announced 2023 would be his final year as a professional rider, with Santa Anita set to stage his swansong at next year’s Breeders’ Cup.
Dettori also confirmed he would head to California over the festive period and made an immediate impact as he enjoyed an opening day hat-trick.
The 52-year-old’s first success came aboard the Bob Baffert-trained Country Grammer, who he steered to Dubai World Cup glory at Meydan in March.
It was only a matter of time! @FrankieDettori is off the mark at Santa Anita as Country Grammer proves far too good in the Grade Two San Antonio Stakes… pic.twitter.com/pve8bN6PsM
Dropping in class for the Grade Two San Antonio Stakes after finishing second in his two previous outings at Grade One level – including a runner-up finish to the brilliant Flightline in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar in September – the five-year-old comfortably got back on the winning trail.
After treating racegoers to his famous flying dismount celebration, Dettori told TVG: “The pressure was on. I’m here for 10 weeks and to ride possibly the best horse in California on the first day, I felt it a bit.
“Once I knew I had the race won at the furlong marker I was able to enjoy the crowd – they were all screaming.”
Of Country Grammer, he added: “He’s a good horse who never knows how to run a bad race. Bob was very confident and actually being drawn six was good for him as at least I could move whenever I wanted.
“He’s a tough horse and you’ve got to put it up to them. You wouldn’t do that with another horse – send him at the three-eighths (marker) – but he’s got the lungs to take it and it just takes the rest out of their comfort zone.
“He won like a good horse and will have his air miles ready to go to the Middle East and race for a lot of money. It was an amazing comeback run.”
Baffert said: “He’s the neatest, coolest horse and really brought us up when we were really down.
“I’m happy for Frankie Dettori. This is his last year and to have him on there and win a race like this – I can’t believe the crowd today, it’s crazy, it’s like a Breeders’ Cup day.”
Dettori went on to enjoy further success aboard Doug O’Neill’s La Deuxieme Etoile and Simon Callaghan’s Ballet Dancing, who carried the Coolmore colours to victory.
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Cheveley Park Stud director Richard Thompson will be thrilled if star filly Inspiral can give Frankie Dettori another top-level success in his final season before retirement.
The legendary Italian rider recently announced he will bring his illustrious riding career to an end in 2023, with the Breeders’ Cup in November set to be the stage for his swansong.
The John and Thady Gosden-trained Inspiral provided Dettori with two Group One wins this year, with her spectacular victory in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot followed by a more hard-fought success against colts in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville.
The partnership is set to be renewed in the spring, with Thompson eyeing Newbury’s Lockinge Stakes in May as a likely target.
He said: “Frankie has won a few Group Ones for us, most recently with Inspiral obviously. She’s won three Group Ones and Frankie has been on board every time.
“He also gave Queen’s Trust a marvellous ride to win the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Filly And Mare Turf, so that was a wonderful day.
“It’s been a marvellous association with Frankie and the Cheveley Park team have really enjoyed the relationship with him.
“What a fantastic career, what a wonderful talent and we look forward to him riding Inspiral next year and hopefully more winners for us as well.
“We’d love to give him his last Group One winner or certainly one in his last season.
“All is good with Inspiral and we look forward to hopefully aiming for the Lockinge.”
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Frankie Dettori heads into his final year in the saddle with “as good ammunition as he has ever had” according to Jamie McCalmont, racing manager to one of his main backers, owner Marc Chan.
McCalmont has known the magical Italian for over 30 years – first meeting each other in California in 1988. And they have enjoyed notable success together ever since with Dettori steering numerous big winners for the various owners the renowned bloodstock agent has represented.
Now with the 52-year-old set to embark on one final quest for big-race success around the globe – starting at Santa Anita back in California on Monday – McCalmont believes the fact that only William Buick and Ryan Moore can command an equal book of rides is testament to how good Dettori remains ahead of his year-long swansong.
Frankie Dettori (centre) and Jamie McCalmont (right) celebrate with their trophies after winning the Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes with Kinross (John Walton/PA)
“I think it’s a great idea to go out on top and I fully respect that,” said McCalmont.
“But from a personal, selfish point of view, it is really sad for me because for the last how many years, whenever he rode a winner it gave you a good feeling. It might sound strange but every winner he rode I enjoyed, it didn’t matter who he was riding for. So life for me will be different.
“Santa Anita was where we first met each other and that was in 1988 just before his birthday. I think it is very exciting he is going to Santa Anita – that is where it all began and looks like it is where it is all going to end. I think his commitment is 100 per cent there and shown by the fact he will be there on Boxing Day and will be there right through the winter.
“He certainly goes into next year with as good ammunition as he has ever had. Between John and Thady Gosden, Marc Chan, Juddmonte and the odd spare ride in the big races for Coolmore, he’s got plenty to look forward to.
“I think other than Ryan Moore and William Buick there will not be another jockey in the weighing room with the options he will have heading into next year. To be 52 and still in that zone is an impressive place to be.”
In recent years Dettori has been a regular in the white, purple and gold silks of Chan, striking in Group One contests at both ParisLongchamp on Arc day and on British Champions Day aboard Kinross earlier this year, before going down by the barest of margins when making the trip to Keeneland for the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
The Ralph Beckett-trained Kinross will be back as a six-year-old to fly the flag for the Chan operation, but there is a whole host of talented youngsters, including champion two-year-old filly Lezoo, poised for their Classic season who could give Dettori plenty of days in the spotlight.
“If 2023 is half as good as 2022 then we would be more than happy,” McCalmont continued.
“We won three Group One races and if you are involved with a racing stable and can win one Group One you have had a good year. So we set the bar pretty high and to try and equal that or better it would be some effort.
“The exciting thing about Kinross is he is a Group One horse from six furlongs to a mile and he can run on any type of ground, so it is a great position to be in.”
“We didn’t go to Hong Kong this year and doing the Breeders’ Cup and Hong Kong can be a difficult thing, so I’m not promising anything at this stage that he will go to Santa Anita because you would obviously like to run on British Champions Day again as well.
“But we do have some nice, slightly under the radar two-year-olds other than Lezoo that are turning three. Bold Discovery is there with Jessie Harrington, Quantum Cat (Gosden) and the Zoustar filly with Harry Eustace, Couplet.
“You have to be excited by Quantum Cat. Judging by the odds he went off for his first race, he hadn’t been drilled for the race.”
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Her lack of experience told as she then jinked to her left, while favourite Zabeel Queen on the far side was also running off a straight line.
However, once Frankie Dettori was able to get her straightened up to a certain degree, the daughter of Dubawi went on to win by three-quarters of a length from Dubai Fountain, with Zabeel Queen a length away in third.
It was a quick double for Gosden and Dettori after Logician’s stroll earlier on the card and the winner was introduced into the 1000 Guineas betting at 14-1 by Paddy Power.
Gosden said: “She did it very smoothly at Yarmouth and she’s been in great form since. The race didn’t knock her back a bit – it was rather like a piece of work.
“If we’d gone for another novice race, she would have had to lump a lot of weight and I don’t like doing that with two-year-olds. You can end up giving 7lb to a Group horse and you don’t know it.
“The May Hill is a beautiful race over the straight mile. The track is in beautiful nick and I thought we’d bring her here and see if we could nick a bit of black type.
“She relaxed beautifully, which is key, and smoothly came through. I admit when she hit the front she ran around, but that’s the trainer’s fault because when I work them at home, I don’t like them bursting clear and breaking another one’s heart.
“She’s obviously got a lot of talent. As long as she continues to enjoy her racing,she can move upward.”
Considering future targets, the trainer added: “There are two options this year – the Prix Marcel Boussac and the Fillies’ Mile. We could look at either of those or wait until next year, we’ll just have to see at this stage.
“Her mother (Montare) won a Prix Royal-Oak and her full-sister (Journey) won the Fillies & Mares Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot over a mile and a half. Funnily enough, I see this one as more of a mile to a mile-and-a-quarter filly.
“She travels strong and has a great turn of foot.”
Indigo Girl won despite showing wayward tendencies (David Davies/PA)
Dettori said: “I rode Journey (her sister) and she’s the same type – not over-big, but she’s got loads of gears. It’s my first time on her.
“She travelled smoothly, quickened well, ran a bit green and went left and right, but it’s only her second start so you can excuse her for that.
“She’s from a talented family. Everything is in the right place and I really like her.
“She seems easier to handle than her siblings. She’s got a good future and is two from two and a Group Two (winner). Fingers crossed she can go all the way.”
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Last year’s St Leger winner Logician maintained his unbeaten record with a facile victory on his eagerly-awaited return in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Conditions Stakes at Doncaster.
Facing only one rival in Charlie Appleby’s Mythical Magic, Logician was sent off a 1-12 shot and the manner of his win reflected that price.
A sick horse over the winter, he was back on track almost a year to the day since his Classic success on Town Moor, but he was racing over half a mile less.
Frankie Dettori bounced him out of the stalls and John Gosden’s grey was keen enough early, but he was not going fast enough for Mythical Magic, who took over briefly turning into the straight.
Once Dettori asked Logician to quicken, his sole rival could not go with him and he was ridden out with just hands and heels for a comfortable seven-length win.
Gosden said: “We’re very happy. He came here very composed and I always think in a race like that, go and set your own pace.
“William’s (Buick) horse (Mythical Magic) was keen in behind, so as soon as they got to the top of this long straight, he came and joined us. It was a nice, proper stretch – he’s finished very well and comfortable under hands and heels.
John Gosden gives Logician a pat after his comeback win (David Davies/PA)
“He’s having what I call a nice blow, not a stressful blow. You’ve got to remember this horse had two months in intensive care and I can have nothing but praise for the veterinarians at the Newmarket Equine Clinic for saving his life twice, so that he can be here today.
“We’re very pleased to see him back – it’s been a long road.”
As for the future, Gosden said: “There’ll be no immediate plans. He’s well entered in the autumn, but I’d like to see how he is in the next 10 days before even thinking about another race.
“If you’d seen him in the clinic, as I did – I thought I’d never see him again. Just to get him back here is extraordinary in itself.
“We couldn’t be more pleased at this stage, but I don’t want to commit to anything now.
“Anything is possible. We’re on the cusp of the autumn if we want to run again this year, but the horse will tell us.
“I think having missed most of this year, next season for a big, strapping horse like him, as a five-year-old, is very much a key option. I think one might have one’s mind focused on that, as much as anything else.
“We know a mile and a half is spot-on for him, so next year he’ll have races like the King George as an absolute target.”
Dettori told Sky Sports Racing: “It was a good effort by the team. I have hardly seen him this year, obviously. It’s well documented he’s been sick.
“I rode him the other morning. He didn’t give me the feel he gave me in the Leger, but he came to the races today, he went through the gears, he was moving well. OK it was a non-event, but at least we got him back.
“He’s a long way from where he was, but hopefully this race will bring him on and we’ve got him for next year, I hope.”
Line Of Departure completed a hat-trick for Roger Varian in the Weatherbys Racing Bank £200,000 2-Y-O Stakes.
After the colt failed to get his head in front in his first three starts, his Newmarket handler decided to dispose of the blinkers – and it seems to have done the trick, with Line Of Departure opening his account at Yarmouth before following up at Ascot last month.
A 15-2 shot for his latest assignment, the son of Mehmas responded to David Egan’s urgings to score by a length and a quarter from 7-2 joint-favourite Yazaman.
Varian said: “He’s done nothing but improve. I ran him in his first three starts in blinkers, because he didn’t show anything at home.
“I don’t know where the ceiling is with this horse – he gets better and better.”
Spright (left) claimed victory at Doncaster (David Davies/PA)
The Karl Burke-trained Spright (10-1) secured her third win from five career starts under a well-judged ride from Clifford Lee in the British Stallion Studs EBF “Carrie Red” Fillies’ Nursery.
Burke said: “I thought she was well handicapped and I twisted the arms of the owners, including David Redvers, to let her run.
“David definitely wanted to go for a Listed race to try to get some black type and make her more sellable, but it would have broken my heart to leave a £50,000 race behind without having a runner in it.
“We’ll definitely give her a shot at black type now. She’s in the Redcar Two Year Old Trophy (October 3), and there’s also the Bosra Sham at Newmarket at the end of October.”
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Frankie Dettori performed his trademark flying dismount for the spectators in attendance following victory aboard Foxtrot Lady in the bet365 Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes at Doncaster.
Andrew Balding’s mare was an 18-1 shot for the Group Three feature on the opening afternoon of the St Leger Festival.
However, sporting the colours of the great sprinting mare Lochsong, who he steered to multiple Group One wins in the early 1990s, the popular Italian once again weaved his magic in the saddle.
After being settled in behind rivals for much of the seven-furlong contest, Foxtrot Lady was produced with a well-timed challenge against the stands rail and proved a length and a quarter too strong for 7-2 favourite Althiqa, with Bounce The Blues a close-up third.
Dettori, who was winning the race for the first time, said: “Andrew booked me late and I didn’t know what to expect. It looked a wide-open event.
“I was lucky I had Andrea (Atzeni, on Cloak Of Spirits) next to me – he took the wind for me.
“There’s a bit of a headwind and I filled her with confidence and sat and had one run at it and she picked up – it’s as simple as that.”
A crowd of around 2,500 people were on Town Moor to witness Dettori’s victory – the first day of racing in front of a paying crowd in Britain since mid-March as part of a pilot event that was due to take place for the four days of the meeting.
That number was due to rise to around 6,000 for the Pertemps St Leger on Saturday, but it was announced on Wednesday afternoon racing will go back behind closed doors for the rest of the week.
“I didn’t really notice any difference with the crowd today as this place swallows 5,000 people,” Dettori added.
“It’s a shame that we have to go back again, but we have to keep people safe.
“You have to do what is safe for everyone, we all know the rules until we get this corona sorted.
“Let’s hope we come back to normal soon.”
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Logician is the undoubted star of the show on day two of the St Leger Festival at Doncaster, when he makes his first competitive appearance since winning the world’s oldest Classic 12 months ago.
The John Gosden-trained grey is unbeaten in five starts in all, but has been sidelined for much of the season after he suffered a life-threatening infection during the winter.
With Zaaki declared a non-runner after suffering with a bruised foot, the Khalid Abdullah-owned Logician faces a solitary rival in Mythical Magic in the Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Conditions Stakes over a mile and a quarter – four and half furlongs shorter than the Leger.
Abdullah’s racing manager, Teddy Grimthorpe, said of Frankie Dettori’s mount: “It truly is good to see him back. It has been well documented he did have a serious illness, peritonitis, over the winter, so we are going slightly into the unknown with him.
“All the indications have been positive in terms of his well-being. His work has been progressive. He’s never been a fancy worker, so it’s always hard to tell what level he’s at, but John is happy enough with him, certainly.
“Of course, he’s going back to Doncaster which obviously was the scene of his most important triumph, albeit over a lesser distance.
“There’s only one other horse left in the race now. Hopefully it will be an important stepping stone.”
He added: “I think the most important thing is to get him back on track. There are all sorts of scenarios afterwards so there’s not much point in saying this or that.
“It’s a triumph in itself getting him back on track and in good form.
“Hopefully whatever he does, he will come on significantly for the race.”
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2.54469955-scaled.jpg12802560DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2020-09-09 14:30:252020-09-16 20:58:59All eyes on Logician in eagerly-awaited Doncaster comeback
Ed Dunlop considers himself “honoured” to have Frankie Dettori riding Roca Magica for him in the Mondialiste Leger Legends Classified Stakes at Doncaster on Wednesday.
The 49-year-old Italian jockey has won just about everything in the game – and was determined to sign up for the race when conditions were changed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In the past it has been exclusively for retired riders, but this year it is for current professionals only, due to Covid-19 restrictions.
It has become an established attraction on the opening day of the St Leger Festival on Town Moor since its inception in 2010, and has raised more than £1.1million for Jack Berry House and the Northern Racing College.
Trainer Ed Dunlop was delighted to acquire the services of Frankie Dettori (Simon Cooper/PA)
Dunlop and Dettori have successfully teamed up in many big races over the years, including with Lailani (2001 Irish Oaks and Nassau Stakes), Ouija Board (2006 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare and Nassau Stakes) and Snow Fairy (2012 Irish Champion Stakes).
This may be low key in comparison, but both trainer and jockey are taking it very seriously.
“Frankie was very keen to ride in the race – it’s the Legends race and we’ve got a legend riding for us, so we’re very honoured,” said Dunlop.
Roca Magica has had a busy year, despite racing being shut down from the middle of March until the beginning of June.
The four-year-old filly has run 12 times, winning five of them, and Dunlop reports his charge to be in rude health, though he cannot estimate what effect her far-side draw in a field of 22 will have on the outcome.
“Drawn one, I’m not sure that’s ideal, but this filly has been a star. She’s won five races this year. She seems in very good form,” said the Newmarket trainer.
Many other stars of the turf are in action, including Tom Queally, who became a household name as the ever-present rider of Frankel, arguably the greatest horse of all time.
Tom Queally is famed for his exploits with Frankel (Anna Gowthorpe/PA)
Queally rides the John Ryan-trained Catch My Breath, who is drawn on the opposite side of the track to Dettori’s mount in stall 22.
Paul Hanagan is back firing on all cylinders after recently returning from a long spell on the sidelines. The champion jockey of 2010 and 2011, he rides Lexington Warfare for Richard Fahey.
Jim Crowley, who took the title in 2016, has had a tremendous season do far. He teams up with Jamie Osborne on Mykonos St John.
Among other top names taking part are William Buick, Danny Tudhope, Graham Lee and Tom Marquand.
https://devplatform.ggzssd.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2.1454682.jpg7841568DaveMhttps://www.geegeez.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/geegeez_banner_new_170x78.pngDaveM2020-09-08 12:34:482020-09-16 20:57:39Dettori teams up with old ally Dunlop in Leger Legends
