Sniffer dogs at the races
YORK racecourse hope that sniffer dogs, increased police and more visible stewarding will prevent a repeat of the ugly fights that broke out at Ascot and Goodwood. Officials have ‘changed the balance’ of stewarding at the Dante Festival, which starts today, to have more security in high-visibility clothes. It is hoped the move will reassure racegoers with young families and deter trouble-makers. Sniffer dogs are on hand due to the increase of drugs at British courses, as well as drinking, which is causing huge concern in racing circles. Racecourses have been reassessing their security following a spate of ugly incidents. A brawl at Goodwood earlier this month involved about 50 racegoers and left several needing hospital treatment. Disturbing scenes at Ascot followed last weekend, when a large group were filmed fighting on the high street, after being ejected from the racecourse.
JUST a week ago it looked like we might struggle for feasible opposition to odds-on Investec Derby favourite Saxon Warrior but you cannot say that now.
Rostropovich, winner of Chester’s Dee Stakes and Aidan O’Brien-trained stablemate of the 2,000 Guineas winner, looks to be heading to the French Derby but Young Rascal (Chester Vase), Knight To Behold ( Lingfield Derby Trial) and Hazapour (Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial) were all solid winners.
The one that particularly impressed me was Harry Dunloptrained Knight To Behold.
I rode third-placed Corelli in the race and, as I suspected, he is still a little immature but nothing could lay a glove on Knight To Behold.
He looks quite versatile, showed speed and stamina and handled the undulations of the track, which augurs well for Epsom.
Some argue that he got the run of the race but I would not want to devalue the level of the performance.
The positive thing about William Haggas-trained Young Rascal is that he has a low mileage after three runs and so bags of scope to improve.
In the Derrinstown, I was expecting an Aidan O’Brien one-two-three clean sweep so the fact Hazapour, a relative of 2016 winner Harzand, spoiled the party reflects well on the Dermot Weld-trained colt.
Tomorrow’s Dante Stakes will produce more Derby evidence. I ride John Gosden-trained Crossed Baton.
He won the Epsom Blue Riband Trial despite immaturity causing him to struggle with the track. We’ll see where we are with him.
John also runs Roaring Lion, his 2,000 Guineas fifth, and there are also two good northerntrained runners — Wells Farhh Go (Tim Easterby) and Mildenberger (Mark Johnston).
This afternoon’s Musidora Stakes showcases a few Oaks hopes. I was disappointed when my mount Highgarden was beaten at Sandown but the ground was really bad. Now I hope she can redeem herself.
I have also got Pretty Polly Stakes Lah Ti Dar for the Oaks but these trials can tell us a lot and I hope Highgarden can show what she can do.
Frankie Dettori is an ambassador for the Investec Derby Festival, June 1-2. investec.co.uk/derbyfestival