Dettori rides first comeback winner

Friday 7 June 2013, 7:08am

Frankie Dettori has ridden his first winner since returning from a six-month drugs ban, steering Asian Trader to victory at Sandown.

Dettori made his comeback at Epsom last Friday but had been out of luck in 11 previous rides in England and in France.

That unwanted statistic was finally stricken from the record when the William Haggas-trained Asian Trader pounced in a five furlong (1000m) handicap.

Dettori then treated racegoers to his customary flying dismount in the winner's enclosure.

The jockey had been due to make his comeback at Leicester 2-1/2 weeks ago, but France Galop, the authority which banned him following his positive test for cocaine last September, was not prepared to clear the rider until a "private matter" had been resolved.

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

"I've only been riding five days but I feel good," Dettori told Racing UK.

"I've done a lot of ground work and even since the first day I've never felt out of place.

"Obviously I was a bit worried on the first day but your adrenaline takes over. It's something you've been doing for 25 years and I've had nearly 20,000 rides so it's not something new to me.

"From day one I've had tremendous feedback, not just from the public but from owners and trainers, too.

Dettori is also hoping to pick up some rides at Royal Ascot.

"Looking from the outside it looks like Ryan (Moore) has three or four to choose from in every race and I'm hoping he picks a few wrong ones so I can get a few of his spares!" he said.

– PAA

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