Frankie Dettori is set to ride at Killarney racecourse for the first time in his career next week.
It's been confirmed that 48-year-old Italian will be in action next Wednesday as part of the July Festival at the Kerry venue.
He piloted dual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Enable to victory in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown last Saturday and was the leading jockey at the Royal Ascot this year.
Killarney's racecourse manager Philip O'Brien says they're "thrilled" to have Dettori compete at the five-day festival, which gets underway next Monday.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Frankie ride at Killarney racecourse on Wednesday.
"He is a household name who transcends the confines of racing and we are delighted that racegoers will get the chance to see such a racing legend in the flesh.
"It will definitely be the highlight of our July Festival and we are looking forward to a few of his famous flying dismounts in County Kerry.
“When the thought crossed my mind, I immediately contacted his agent, former jockey Ray Cochrane, and he was quick to come back to me with a positive.
“Killarney is widely recognised as one of the most picturesque racecourses in these isles and Ray told me Frankie would be only delighted to be part of it.
“Of course, we don’t yet have declarations, but the feature race on Wednesday is the listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cairn Rouge Stakes and I’m sure he will be in great demand.
“He has ridden many times for Dermot Weld, most recently winning the listed Coral Marathon on Saturday at Sandown, riding a horse, Falcon Eight, who was a winner at this track in August.
“Wouldn’t it be fantastic if Mr Weld, who won the Cairn Rouge last year with Bella Estrella, was represented and Frankie was in the saddle?
“And there have been many times Frankie has enjoyed success with Aidan O’Brien, who has also won this race. There are numerous trainers who would only be delighted to give Dettori the leg up on one of their horses, so I think it’s safe to assume he won’t be watching the feature from the sideline.
“His presence will be a great attraction for racegoers. We’re certainly over the moon to have him as a guest, and it’s an added bonus to what should be another great July festival.”
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