Racing: Dettori to ride Camelot at Arc

FRANKIE Dettori spoke of his “honour” at being chosen to partner Camelot in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday.

The ride on the 2,000 Guineas and dual Derby winner became available as trainer Aidan O’Brien’s son, Joseph, is unable to get down to the weight of 8st 11lb. Dettori has not ridden for O’Brien since winning the 2005 St Leger at Doncaster on Scorpion.

The Italian will be riding in his 25th consecutive Arc, which he has won three times on Lammtarra (1995), Sakhee (2001) and Marienbard (2002).

“It’s a real honour to be chosen to ride the Guineas and Derby winner in the Arc,” Dettori said.

“A couple of high-profile horses haven’t made the race so he’s right up there at the head of the betting.

“I’m really excited. It’s a really good record, 25 Arcs in a row, so I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a shame this year that Godolphin don’t have a horse in the race. What has happened in the last few days is pretty unbelievable [with defections from the race] – Snow Fairy has an injury, Nathaniel is out. Joseph can’t do the weight on Camelot and the ride became available.

“It’s an honour for me to be asked to ride the horse and I’m really looking forward to it.

“Let’s hope the horse is in tip-top shape. It’s been a long season but if the Camelot turns up we know he should have a really good chance.”

Camelot’s participation in the Arc had been up in the air since his defeat in the St Leger at Doncaster last month, when he was prevented from claiming the Triple Crown by Encke.

But, after having worked at O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable yesterday morning, the decision was made to let the three-year-old colt take his chance.

Camelot adds a much-needed touch of quality to an Arc that has recently seen three high-profile withdrawals.

Injury forced Snow Fairy out of contention at the weekend, while last year’s winner Danedream is unable to travel to France as her stables at Cologne racecourse were, on Monday, placed into quarantine due to a serious outbreak of an equine infection.

The John Gosden-trained Nathaniel was then declared a non-runner on Tuesday after returning unsatisfactory blood tests when found to have been suffering with a high temperature.

There had been rumours Danedream could yet be supplemented back into the race today at a cost of €100,000 (£80,000) owing to a mix-up at Cologne. However, Patrick Barbe, racing manager to her part-owner, Teruya Yoshida, told racinguk.com: “It is only a rumour. There is a no-go zone a kilometre around the training base, I just can’t see us being allowed to go.”

Sixteen horses remain in the all-aged middle-distance championship.

Saonois, the French Derby and Prix Niel winner, is expected to be supplemented today.

Bangor

2.20 I’m A Gangster

2.50 An Capall Mor

3.20 Kealshore Again

3.50 Henry San

4.20 Hannah Jacques

4.50 Justazippy

Southwell

2.30 Elegant Girl

3.00 Stag Hill

3.30 Hoofalong

4.00 Girl At The Sands (nap)

4.30 No Dominion

5.00 Strong Man

5.30 Tiradito

6.00 Symphony Star

Warwick

2.10 Daring Damsel

2.40 Secretinthepark

3.10 Magique

3.40 Light Rose

4.10 Herbalist

4.40 Consider Yourself

5.10 Perfect Pastime

5.45 Taroum

Wolverhampton

5.40 Millie N Aire

6.10 Methaaly

6.40 Cut Across

7.10 Ghost Train

7.40 Marchwood

8.10 Pomarine

8.40 Spin A Wish

9.10 Fortunate Bid

Double

Girl At The Sands

4:00 Southwell

Pomarine

8:10 Wolverhampton