Frankie Dettori returns - but finishes last in first race for six months
The Italian was banned after testing positive for cocaine
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Frankie Dettori finished last of nine runners aboard Beatrice Aurore on his return to action at Epsom.
The ride on Ed Dunlop's five-year-old in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes was the Italian's first since he regained his licence on Thursday, having served a six-month ban after testing positive for cocaine in France.
Beatrice Aurore was settled in fourth early on in the extended mile heat but when the pace upped a notch in the straight, Dettori sent out the distress signals.
Dunlop's mare, owned by former ABBA musician Benny Andersson, faded badly in the closing stages but Dettori was just pleased to be back.
He had earlier told Channel 4 Racing he was "like a kid on Christmas morning" at the prospect of returning to the saddle.
He said: "It's nice to be back. It's a big day for me, six months off to start again.
"I was like a kid on Christmas morning, jumping up and down."
Dettori only just made it to the track in time for his first mount as traffic problems saw him jogging down the track before weighing out with less than 15 minutes to spare.
He said: "I left the car by the road and jumped over the running rail."
Dettori admitted he was relieved to have his first race completed.
He said: "Its nice to be back, and good to get the first one out of the way.
Asked about the ground, he said: "Good to soft, but you're asking the wrong person, I haven't been riding too much!"
He continued: "I was very nervous coming down and then I got stuck in traffic so it was panic stations and I ran the last three furlongs down the track to get here on time.
"I got a good welcome back. As soon as I got on the horse it was back to business and like I had never been away.
"It was nice to get a welcome back from everyone. It's all been a bit of a thunderstorm.
"I feel as fit as I could be but I haven't ridden for a long time."
The Italian fared slightly better in the Investec Wealth & Investment Handicap as he finished fifth on the Marco Botti-trained Fattsota.
Saddled with top weight, Dettori adopted a watching brief from the back of the nine-runner field before trying to switch wider for a run in the straight.
Fattsota could not pick up when asked and Dettori eventually had to settle for a minor placing behind the winner, Resurge.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments