Italian rider Frankie Dettori once again taking center stage

RIYADH: The Frankie Dettori farewell tour has hit Riyadh and the storied jockey was the center of attention as he met the media at King Abdulaziz Racecourse on the eve of The Saudi Cup 2023 weekend.

The Italian looked suitably bronzed and fresh having flown in from California, where he has ridden 19 winners since commencing his stint at Santa Anita at Christmas.

Dettori is looking forward to taking part in the International Jockeys Challenge presented by stc on Friday and takes the reins on four strong chances on Saturday - Havnameltdown (US) in the Saudi Derby presented by Boutique Group, Elite Power (US) in the Riyadh Dirt Sprint presented by Sports Boulevard, Trawlerman (Ireland) in the Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap, and Country Grammer (US) in the $20 million Saudi Cup.

On his current form in Los Angeles, he said: “It has been overwhelming. I did not expect to do so well. There are some great riders at Santa Anita, but I am really enjoying it and I am getting lots of support from a variety of trainers, so it’s going well.”

Dettori is better placed than most to appraise the growth of racing in Saudi Arabia and was glowing in his assessment of its progress in recent times.

“I have been coming here for 30 years so I am part of the furniture and I know most of the trainers.

“Back in the day, we used to race in the track in the city center. This track is here about 15 or 20 years and it’s not the first time I have said it, but it’s the best dirt track I have ever ridden. It is kinder than other dirt tracks I have ridden throughout the world.

“For example, we saw Mishriff, a turf horse, winning The Saudi Cup two years ago so it does open things up a bit for grass horses. I really enjoy riding here, the track is