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Frankie

Dettori back in the saddle after drugs ban -- and he's coming to Leopardstown

The Italian rides on British Irish race day at Leopardstown next Friday, 7 June.

FRANKIE DETTORI WILL ride at Leopardstown next week as he continues his return from a lengthy drugs ban.

Dettori had a comeback to forget when he finished last on two of his three rides on Epsom Oaks day and then failed to secure a ride for the Derby, won by Aidan O’Brien’s Ruler of the World.

Now the Italian, 42, has been booked for the inaugural British Irish race day at the Dublin track next Friday, 7 June.

Dettori was plunged into scandal and hit with a six-month ban last year when he tested positive for a banned substance, which he subsequently revealed to be cocaine.

Despite losing his job as retained rider for Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin yard, Dettori is determined to bounce back from the career low and this week told the BBC that he hopes to go on riding until he is 50.

“Leopardstown is one of my favourite courses and I have been very lucky there,” he said. “I love coming to Ireland, as I always get a great welcome from the very knowledgeable Irish fans.”

Top jockeys Kevin Manning, Johnny Murtagh, Joseph O’ Brien and Pat Smullen have also been confirmed for next Friday’s card in Leopardstown, where the feature race will be the relaunched King George V Cup, run for the first time since 1911.

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