Frankie Dettori confirms Derby 2023 horse he will ride in his last Epsom Classic

22 May 2023 , 10:10

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Frankie Dettori retires from the saddle at the end of the season (Image: PA)

Frankie Dettori has confirmed the identity of the horse he will partner on his final ride in the Betfred Derby.

The superstar jockey partnered Chester Vase winner Arrest in a crucial gallop around Epsom racecourse. The John and Thady Gosden-trained colt worked from the top of the course, down Tattenham corner and into the straight.

And afterwards, Arrest having banished concerns over whether he would handle the track, Dettori said: “At this stage he’s my Epsom Derby ride.

“It is always a worry because he’s a big horse to get round that bend but we went round there fine - no problem. He’s growing up, getting stronger and Chester did him the world of good.”

Arrest underlined his candidacy with a six and a half length victory at Chester and on Monday drew right away from his work companion Harrovian at Epsom.

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Dettori said: “It’s all about getting used to the most crucial part, Tattenham Corner, where horses can win or lose a race. He went round that fine.

“In the straight, he took him a furlong to get organised. He’s a big horse but then he went very straight and I’m very happy with him.”

Dettori recorded his two Derby wins on Authorized in 2007 and Golden Horn in 2015 and will be competing as a jockey in the race for the final time on June 3 before he retires at the end of the season.

“It’s a lot of lasts,” he said. “I went to Rome yesterday. I rode my last Derby there. I saw the vice prime minister who gave me a plaque congratulating me on my career. Now it’s my last Derby, with a live chance.

“It looks a wide open Derby. I haven’t seen any horses dominating any trials. They all won but no one won by five lengths. It looks quite a competitive and open Derby.”

Jon Lees