Dettori targets redemption and May drug ban comeback
JOCKEY Frankie Dettori has vowed to rebuild his reputation when he returns to racing next year after he was yesterday handed a six-month suspension for failing a drug test.
French horseracing chiefs delivered their verdict after Dettori pleaded guilty to using a banned non-performance-enhancing substance, believed to be cocaine, prior to his failed test at Longchamp in September.
However, France Galop agreed to backdate the ban to 20 November, meaning Dettori will be free to race at the Oaks and Derby at Epsom in late May and early June – as revealed by City A.M. earlier this week.
The three-time Champion Jockey, whose 18-year association with thoroughbred stable Godolphin ended in October, will miss the Dubai World Cup and Newmarket’s Guineas meeting but is determined to make up for lost time on his return.
“Racing has been good to Frankie and he knows that his privileged position brings with it responsibility,” said the 41-year-old’s solicitor Christopher Stewart-Moore.
“For this reason he is determined to rebuild his reputation when he returns to the saddle. Frankie could make excuses. He is clear, however, that responsibility for his current situation lies squarely with him.”