BHA: Dettori return delayed

Frankie Dettori may have to delay his return to the saddle after the British Horseracing Authority said it has yet to issue his licence.

The 42-year-old had planned to return to action at Leicester on Monday after serving a six-month ban for testing positive for cocaine at Longchamp following a race last September.

However, confusion has reigned over his status with France Galop, throwing his plans into disarray, with the BHA insisting it has not received the necessary clearance.

A BHA spokesman said: “The BHA has received notification from France Galop that they are not prepared to sanction Frankie Dettori as fit to race ride until he has had a meeting with their Medical Committee.

“Consequently, in line with the position outlined to Dettori by the BHA’s Licensing Committee at their meeting on Tuesday 14th May, and in the absence of clearance from France, no licence will be issued while such matters remain outstanding.

“BHA is seeking further clarification from France Galop but is unable to make any additional comment at this time.”

France Galop’s head of media relations Julien Pescatore had earlier said that while Dettori cannot ride in France pending clarification on an unspecified matter, he is allowed to ride in Britain.

“We are just waiting for his medical file to be completed. We are awaiting some extra details from Frankie Dettori himself. This means he’s still not able to ride in France but, as of Monday, he can ride in England,” he said.

Whether the three-times champion jockey rides at Leicester or not, there will be no race named in his honour after plans for a contest commemorating the occasion were vetoed by the BHA.

The BHA tweeted: “Confirmation that a race title at Leicester on Mon 20th May remains ’British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing EBF Maiden Stakes’.

“The proposed title of ’EBF Welcome Back Frankie Maiden Stakes’ was never authorised by BHA & was not deemed appropriate.”

Dettori has been riding out for a variety of trainers in recent weeks as he prepares to return to the saddle. He has ridden work for the likes of Aidan O’Brien in Ireland and Ed Dunlop among a number of British-based handlers.

Dunlop has used Dettori in the past and would have no qualms about doing so again, with the Italian firmly on the radar to ride stable star Snow Fairy this term should regular partner Ryan Moore be required elsewhere.

“He’s very fit, looks well. I’m sure he’s raring to get going,” Dunlop said. “If Ryan’s not available (for Snow Fairy), hopefully Frankie will ride her.”