Frankie Dettori had a spring in his step in spite of the heavens opening after he touched down at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport on Tuesday morning.
Resplendent in a bright blue riding jacket and multicoloured cap, Dettori made an unplanned visit to the Keeneland training centre to take an adoring look at his Breeders’ Cup Turf mount Golden Horn.
Joking to the drenched press corps at the Polytrack training facility, the Italian looked forward to Saturday’s mile-and-a-half race that will be a swansong for the Investec Derby, Coral-Eclipse, Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner.
He is mindful both of his gate position on the rail and the importance of fending off as much unnecessary pressure as he can, with his week in Kentucky in its infancy.
“Hey, you guys, don’t put any pressure on me I’m just off the plane,” he said while watching Golden Horn engage in a routine spin on the Polytrack.
“I came in this morning and didn’t feel jet-lagged so I couldn’t resist changing my mind and visiting the track to see Golden Horn.
“I’ll be riding him in some work. Let’s see what happens but he looks amazing and everyone is very pleased with him.”
When questioned about Golden Horn being in stall one and the inclement weather, he said: “The weather is what it is.
“There’s nothing we can do to change it. They say it will carry on raining Wednesday but then maybe it will dry out.
“I suppose I might have to use my horse from that post but it’s still early days to be talking tactics, I’m just delighted to be here and I feel great.
“In one week it will be all over and I’m going to take a holiday with my wife who hasn’t seen that much of me this year and greatly deserves to have a nice break.”
Dettori has five rides for Wesley Ward, spread over three days, and partnered one of the trainer’s horses on the Polytrack.
He said: “I ride two for Wesley on Thursday and three more at the Breeders’ Cup, including his filly (Undrafted) in the Turf Sprint, and I know he was pleased to get the wide gate with her.”
– Sportinglife.com
Picture: Golden Horn and Frankie Dettori
