Dettori draw at Killarney – Betfred Blog - (2022)

Frankie Dettori will be the man to watch at Killarney this evening as the veteran Italian rider makes his first ever visit to Ireland’s most picturesque racecourse.

Dettori was invited to Killarney and duly accepted, with a bumper crowd expected to turn out to watch him in action.

Dettori has only ridden at two current Irish tracks, the Curragh and Leopardstown. He also appeared at Phoenix Park and Tralee more than 20 years ago before they closed their doors.

He’s looking forward to sampling Killarney’s Summer Festival and has picked up four rides on this evening’s card, which gets underway at 5.55pm.

“Killarney asked me about three weeks ago and were very keen for me to go. I looked at the calendar and, as this was a quiet week, I thought I’d go as I like new challenges,” Dettori said.

“Years back I went to Tralee where I was given a hero’s welcome so hopefully it will be a good night. I think Lester [Piggott] rode there many years ago and rode three winners so I’m a bit under pressure.

“All I know of the track is what Mick Kinane and the old boys have told me, but hopefully it will ride well.”

Dermot Weld has enlisted Dettori to ride Time Tunnel, 10/11 favourite to win the mile maiden at 6.30pm and the trainer was eager to support Killarney’s novel idea.

“Frankie has to be up there with the all-time greats. I’ve known for a while that he was coming to Killarney and I really wanted to support the initiative,” said Weld.

“It is wonderful to see an executive from a racecourse come up with an idea like this and great credit must go to Killarney for getting Frankie to come.”

Dettori also rides 4/1 chance Mujid for Weld in the Sauternes Cup Rated Race at 7.00pm.

Additionally, Dettori gets the leg up on Fozzy Stack’s filly Lady Wannabe in the feature Listed Cairn Rouge Stakes (7.30pm) while his night ends with a mount for former weighing room rival Johnny Murtagh on board Finding Nero in the handicap contest at 8.30pm.

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