Dettori must explain Lobos ride

Jockey Frankie Dettori and trainer Ed Dunlop will go before the Jockey Club’s Disciplinary Committee next month to explain the running and riding of the unplaced Lobos at Newmarket.

The case has been highlighted by the monitoring department at Portman Square who look into races that usually have not been subject of a stewards’ inquiry.

They decided that the performance of Lobos, who made most of the running before finishing 11th of 16 to Distinction in a 10-furlong maiden at Newmarket’s evening meeting on June 21, needed to be looked into further.

Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse explained the procedure that has led to the hearing that will be held on August 15.

‘‘There is a monitoring system which looks into races and can sometimes resurrect incidents on the racecourse. It is usually something that was not the subject of a full inquiry on the racecourse,’’ he said today.

‘‘There are no hard and fast rules. The system is there to act as a safety net and if they believe that a matter merits going before the disciplinary committee, i.e. that there may be a case to answer, they will make a suggestion and it will be looked into.

‘‘The monitoring department identify incidents which they believe cause a bit of concern and after consultation they are placed before one of the Jockey Club stewards who look at all incidents that may go before the disciplinary committee.’’

There was a similar case only recently when trainer Paul d’Arcy and jockey Pat Eddery were cleared over the running and riding of Fantastic Champion.

‘‘I wouldn’t call it routine but there is a system, the monitoring system, that has been in place for several years,’’ added Maxse.

‘‘And in that time there have been a number of inquiries reopened and put before the disciplinary committee. In some cases the trainer and rider have been found in breach and in others they have not.’’

If found guilty, Dettori would face a riding ban and Dunlop a fine.

Dettori is reported to have been shocked when notified of the hearing.

‘‘It is a big shock to me and a potential slur on my record. Everyone must know that this is not in my character. With all the things that are going on in racing right now, I am flabbergasted that I have to go to London on August 15 and explain myself,’’ he told The Times.