DETTORI FACES FITNESS BATTLE
FRANKIE DETTORI, absent from his favourite stage — last week’s Royal Ascot meeting — due to injury, is fighting a fitness battle in his attempt to ride Cracksman in Saturday’s Irish Derby.
Dettori, who injured his shoulder after taking a fall in the paddock at Yarmouth on June 13, resumed riding last Sunday in the French Oaks but two days later was forced to give up his Royal Ascot rides.
At the time Dettori said: “I’ve been trying so hard to get fit for Royal Ascot but had to accept it wasn’t going to happen.
“I’ve got to have physio and get it properly looked after so won’t be at Ascot this week.
“For me that’s soul destroying as it’s the most important week of the year. I’ll be counting the days until next year.”
Last week was a wretched watch for Dettori as he missed four winners at Ascot, notably Big Orange in Thursday’s Gold Cup and Lady Aurelia in Tuesday’s King’s Stand.
Ray Cochrane, Dettori’s agent, said: “He should now be healing.
“I should imagine he will have a check up midweek but I’m not sure when he will be back as it depends what happens.
“He’s had a hairline fracture in his shoulder. That’s always very painful as that’s the part of your body you use the most.”
If Dettori’s injury needs more time Pat Smullen is expected to ride the John Gosden-trained Cracksman in the Irish Classic at the Curragh.
Cracksman is set to renew rivalry with the Derby winner Wings Of Eagles who he finished third behind at Epsom.