Dettori top choice for Motivator mount

Frankie Dettori is the number one choice to replace Johnny Murtagh aboard Derby winner Motivator in the Baileys Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on September 10.

Connections of the Epsom Classic hero are now waiting to see if Dettori’s main employer, Sheikh Mohammed, will release the Italian to ride the Michael Bell-trained colt.

“If he is available then he is our number one choice and we would definitely want him – who wouldn’t?” said Harry Herbert, representing owners the Royal Ascot Racing Club.

“I can’t confirm anything at the moment but Frankie riding is a possibility if he is available, but that is down to Sheikh Mohammed releasing him.

“We have heard from Frankie’s agent that it may be a possibility and we would be mad not to be interested. We want someone to ride Motivator who is from the top of the tree and who knows Leopardstown very well.

“On that basis it would be fantastic if Frankie was available and we would love him to ride Motivator, but we first need to know that he is available and we are awaiting that news.”

The plum ride aboard Motivator is available after regular partner Murtagh picked up a 20-day suspension at Leopardstown last weekend for striking out at Pat Smullen following the opening race.

Murtagh has partnered the son of Montjeu in all three of his starts this term, with Motivator currently on his way back after a break having had his colours lowered by Oratorio in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes last month.

“Motivator did his first piece of work since his holiday on Friday morning and everything went very well,” added Herbert. “It was more than satisfactory from what I have been told.”