Frankie Dettori could miss Melbourne Cup amid fears he'll be hit with ban

22 October 2023 , 17:14

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Frankie Dettori wins on Trawlerman (in blue) (Image: PA)

Frankie Dettori is sweating over the prospect of a whip ban that threatens to rule him out of the Melbourne Cup.

The 52-year-old Italian, who will move to California in 2024 to continue his legendary career, signed off in front of British racing fans with a big-race double at Ascot on Saturday.

Dettori made his final ride in his adopted homeland a winning one when coming from last to first to lift the Champion Stakes on King Of Steel.

But it was his victorious effort aboard the John and Thady Gosden-trained Trawlerman in the Long Distance Cup that is likely to come under the microscope when the BHA’s Whip Review Committee convenes tomorrow.

“The BHA does not comment on speculation regarding possible whip offences,” said a British Horseracing Authority representative.

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“Any rides from the weekend which were referred to the Whip Review Committee will be addressed on Tuesday.”

However, replays showed Dettori went right up to – or even beyond – the limit of six strips with the ProCush, which will incur an eight-day punishment.

If found in breach of the rules, Dettori would begin his suspension on November 7 – the same day as ‘the race that stops a nation’ in Australia.

King Of Steel could now bid to double his tally at the top level in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita on Saturday week.

“I know [owner] Kia [Joorabchian] is very keen on the Breeders’ Cup,” said trainer Roger Varian.

David Yates