SILENT ASSASSIN
FRANKIE DETTORI admits racing’s lockdown on March 17, following the coronavirus epidemic, has made him feel like he had retired.
With his 50th birthday in December, the Italian is not ready to hang up his saddle just yet.
“Having no racing has been a bit like being retired,” said Dettori. “I don’t like it!
“I’ll be 50 later this year but I’ll be giving myself a couple more seasons at least. My body can still do it and I’m still in demand, so long may it continue.”
Dettori has no booked rides on Monday at Newcastle, where racing is set to resume behind closed doors.
But racing’s greatest showman admits he will be missing the crowds. His trademark flying dismount is unlikely to be seen until the public can return.
“I love the crowds and it’s going to be a lot different performing in front of empty stands,” he said.
“Hopefully, come July they can start to begin letting people attend meetings.
“But at least we are going to be back competing and that’s the main thing for now.”
Despite the lack of action, Dettori believes he will not lack for match practice.
“I’ve been working in the gym and on the gallops with a mask on,” he said. “It’s not ideal but we just have to get on with it.”
As for ambitions to fulfil, Dettori will not be chasing after a fourth jockeys’ championship but there are two races he hopes to capture for the first time.
“I’ve never won a July Cup, so I’d love to win that, and then there’s the Melbourne Cup which would be a massive thing for my CV,” he added.
And, of course, a third victory in the Arc de Triomphe with Enable is very much his number one priority this season.
“I’ve been going to John Gosden’s four times a week, so I’ve seen a lot of Enable,” said Dettori. “I’ve not sat on her yet, but I’ll go and see her and give her a few apples or whatever.
“From head to toe she looks as good as she did last season.
“She’s bouncing around and walking about the yard like she owns the place.”