Frankie Dettori has admitted he is a "a bit afraid" for the future but is game for the challenge of rebuilding his career after serving a six-month ban.

The 42-year-old returned to the saddle for the first time since completing his suspension for a positive drugs test with three rides at Epsom on Friday.

Although Dettori failed to trouble the judge, with a fifth place the best his mounts could muster, the six-times champion jockey was just pleased to back on track and is now keen to draw a line under the darkest chapter of his riding career.

"I want to stop thinking about it. I've been through it - the ups, downs and in betweens," he said.

"I'm delighted to be back, what's in the past is in the past, I've served my time and it's time to crack on.

"I missed riding, I missed the buzz of racing. It's been a very long six months, to be honest.

Dettori had been due to make his comeback last week but France Galop, the authority who banned him following his positive test for cocaine last September, were not prepared to clear the rider until a "private matter" had been resolved.

France Galop finally issued the all-clear on Thursday but the news came too late for Dettori to fulfill his aim of having a ride in the English Derby.

For the first time in nearly 20 years, Dettori will not have the backing of the powerful Godolphin yard as he resumes his career.

His lengthy association with Sheikh Mohammed's operation came to an end last October, but Dettori is relishing the prospect of forging new relationships this campaign.