Frankie Dettori has chosen not to appeal the 14-day suspension introduced in Germany on September 4, meaning he will miss races like the Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes (G1) and the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes (G1) before going back to driving Torquator Tasso in the Longchamp Qatar Prix de I’Arc de Triomphe (G1) on his first day back in action.
Dettori received an extended suspension for using his whip six times, and once exceeded the legal threshold, for teaming up with Torquator Tasso to top a second. Mendocino in Wettstar Grosser Preis von Baden (G1) on September 4. It was his first time riding last season’s shocking Arc winner and he has confirmed he will retain the ride at Longchamp on the date. October 2.
That will be his first day back in the saddle, with the ban in effect September 18-October. 1. He won’t feature in two domestic group 1 competitions during that period at Newmarket on September 24 — including riding in a Ralph Beckett-trained vehicle Lezoo 5-1 second favorites for Cheveley Park Stakes — as well as Cambridgeshire Handicap and Royal Lodge Stakes (G2) on the same day.
The ban also excluded him from the first day of the Arc meeting, where he led two winners last season.
Torquator Tasso and Dettori win the 2021 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp Racecourse
Dettori, who was booked to ride Haskoy in St Leger Stakes (G1) this weekend, said: “I’m not going to appeal — I’m going to take the punishment. Of course, I’m a bit disappointed, but I broke the rule. What happened, happened, and that’s unfortunate, but I’ll accept it and move on.
“At the time, I thought the pause meant I would also miss the Arc, but luckily for me it ended the day before. In a way, I was lucky and unlucky. Good luck. Arc day is huge.”
The bookies pushed Torquator Tasso down 10-1 (from 7) for the Arc after Sunday’s defeat, but Dettori is hopeful about his defense at Longchamp.
He said: “I’ve talked to the owners and they’re happy to have me. I just hope we get the same rain they’ve been getting in the last two years while the pitch is big and the game is up. Stronger racing would again mean the horse had a big chance.
“On Sunday, there were only four runners and it didn’t suit his racing style. I still think he ran a great race, I just hope we get the same conditions as five. I was looking forward to it, he won an Arc and finished second in King George, and I’m happy to go with him.”
