Frankie Dettori Banned For Six Months

The worst kept secret in Horse Racing was finally revealed today as the verdict of Frankie Dettori’s France Galop hearing for a failed drugs test back on Arc Trials day in September was announced.

The French authority has issued Dettori with a six month ban that will likely be reciprocated by racing authorities across the globe. France Galop didn’t really have much choice in the matter after issuing Kieren Fallon with the same punishment for a similar offence back in 2006.


On the bright side for Dettori – if there is one – his ban will be backdated to 20th November so will end on 19th May 2013 meaning that although he will miss Guineas weekend and most of the classic trials he will be back for the Derby – if he is able to secure a ride, unlike this year – and his beloved Royal Ascot, so in the grand scheme of things it could have been worse for the newly freelance, three-time champion jockey.

Dettori’s legal representative Christopher Stewart-Moore said in a statement released to the Press Association earlier today: "France Galop have today announced their finding Frankie Dettori has committed a breach of their rules relating to prohibited substances, I have spoken to Frankie since the announcement was made and he has told me he fully accepts France Galop's decision. He also accepts that he has let down the sport he loves and all those associated with it, as well as the wider public. But most of all, and this is his greatest regret, he has let down his wife and children."

France Galop in a statement of their own stated "France Galop stewards have extensively examined the dossier of Lanfranco Dettori on December 4 at France Galop in the presence of his advisor, Mr Christopher Stewart-Moore, and his representative, Mr Herve Naggar. In view of the serious infraction of the rules of racing, the France Galop stewards will allow the jockey to appear before a designated medical commission doctor on April 20, 2013”.

In the wake of his split with Godolphin, Dettori had been well backed to be crowned champion jockey again next year but is now best-priced 66/1 on the back of his likely suspension for the first part of the British flat season.

I had been one of those who had rushed out to back Dettori for the title and though I fully expect him to bounce back and work harder than ever to regain the trust and affection of a sport that not only loves him, but so desperately needs him, the jockeys title is now an almost impossible ask for the 41-year-old.