Desert Crown beckons Dettori at Royal Ascot: Jockey secures ride for prestigious race
The Prince of Wales’s Stakes sees Frankie Dettori Replacing Richard Kingscote on Desert Crown
Exciting news for horse racing fans as it has been announced that jockey, Frankie Dettori will be replacing Richard Kingscote on Desert Crown in the upcoming Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot. This news comes after last season’s Derby-winning horse was beaten by Hukum during his first run since Epsom in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown.
Desert Crown is trained by Sir Michael Stoute and owned by Saaed Suhail who believes that with Dettori’s skills, the colt has a better chance of winning this race. Suhail’s racing manager Bruce Raymond stated on Nick Luck’s Daily Podcast: “He (Suhail) just feels that for Desert Crown to win this race is all important and while Frankie is around he wants to give the horse every chance.”
Dettori – Unbeatable Around Ascot?
Suhail also mentioned that he believes Dettori is unbeatable around Ascot which adds an element of excitement to the upcoming event. This year marks what could potentially be Dettori’s last ever Royal Ascot ahead of his retirement later this year, so there may be some extra motivation to go out with a bang!
Kingscote won’t necessarily miss out on riding altogether though as he could well find himself in opposition against his former mount when Bay Bridge races alongside Desert Crown.
No Disgrace for Kingcote
Racing Manager Bruce Raymond was quick to point out however that: “It happens, it’s not the end of the world, and obviously Richard will be hoping he can beat him on the other horse (Bay Bridge).”
Raymond also revealed that Kingscote may still ride Desert Crown if Dettori is unavailable for any reason. He said: “I think it’s better to have a jockey that you know riding the horse than anybody else, so I’m sure he (Kingscote) will be back on the horse should Frankie not be able to ride.”
The Future of Desert Crown
Despite this change in jockey, Raymond believes that Desert Crown is a very good horse and has great potential to do well in future races. He added: “I think he’ll go forward into a lot of good races, with Richard on, hopefully.”