Dettori’s Derby hopes still alive

Jockey Frankie Dettori still hopes to be able to ride at the Investec Derby meeting this weekend following a further meeting with France Galop officials yesterday.

The French authority banned the Italian for six months after he tested positive for cocaine at Longchamp last September, but the rider had been due to return to action last week after serving that suspension.

However, a “private matter” between Dettori and the medical committee of France Galop has so far prevented the French regulator from clearing the jockey to return, with the British Horseracing Authority reciprocating that stance.