Frankie Dettori delighted after signing new contract with Sheikh Joaan Al Thani – Horseracing News
Frankie Dettori was ecstatic after being confirmed as a rider for rising owner and breeder Sheikh Joaan Al Thani.
When asked about his new deal, the veteran jockey said, “Sheikh Joaan is now a big player in racing. He is keen to expand and I can see the passion and love for racing that he has got. He is the sort of person you want to work
with so I'm delighted to be with him.”
Dettori has gone through a lot over the past one year and there was a lot of uncertainty about his future following the dope test controversy. He lost his job and had to stay away from the sport for six months after being tested
positive. Despite that, he was determined to do well on his return and clear his name.
Although the Italian rider got some good rides at his comeback, he was unable to make an impression and seemed under immense pressure. He was down on confidence, thus created a lot of doubts in the minds of the top owners.
However, things started getting better for Dettori with the passage of time and he finally managed to get back to the winning ways. He has participated in very few races in the ongoing season and his strike rate has been the worse
of his entire career. He has still got plenty of time to make up for that and will definitely be confident now after getting his new contract.
Although the seasoned jokey enjoyed a complete season in 2012, his performances were not up to the mark. This suggests that his form has not only suffered because of the doping controversy and there are other factors that have
brought him down.
On the other hand, another quality rider Richard Hughes has managed to retain his job with Sheikh Joaan.
According to Sian Jones, representative of Sheikh Joaan, “Richard will also stay in our first colours for all Richard Hannon's horses but we have horses all over France with different trainers and in England with Marco Botti, Sir
Michael Stoute and Lady Cecil, so there are plenty of good horses for Frankie.”
It will be interesting to see how both the quality jockeys perform with their new team, which seems to have plenty of potential.
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