Redkirk Warrior on the gallops at Newmarket
Redkirk Warrior on the gallops at Newmarket

Frankie Dettori loses Redkirk Warrior ride in July Cup at Newmarket


Frankie Dettori will be replaced by Regan Bayliss if Australian sprinter Redkirk Warrior runs in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket, co-trainer Tom Dabernig said.

Dettori partnered Redkirk Warrior for the first time in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, but the combination could only finish 10th behind Merchant Navy.

Connections of the gelded son of Notnowcato will now turn to regular jockey Bayliss if he is given the go-ahead to run at Newmarket on July 14, for which Sky Bet make him a 14/1 chance.

Dabernig told Australian radio station RSN Racing & Sport: "There was no knock on Frankie Dettori.

"He was probably a victim of the horse not performing on the day. Regan's got an outstanding record on him, winning three Group Ones."

Reflecting upon the Diamond Jubilee, Dabernig said: "What we can put it down to is overseas travel.

"Arriving there, all the signs were he travelled well, he was eating, hydrated, we were happy with his work.

"You could see from the 500-metre mark we were clearly in trouble and he didn't put his run up. Clearly the travel had an effect.

"After the race, we did all the normal testing of bloods, scoping, and it all came back normal and clear.

"We decided clearly there's a bit of water to go under the bridge, he'll continue on at Newmarket with the possibility of running in the July Cup on the 14th at Newmarket, which is 1200m (six furlongs) down the straight.

"Hopefully if the horse has had a bit longer to acclimatise and settle back in with a jockey that's familiar with him.

"Hopefully we can get him back to what we know he's capable of, because clearly on his best performances down here, looking through the form of Merchant Navy, he would've been right around them."

Redkirk Warrior is one of 31 remaining entries for the July Cup, with King's Stand Stakes winner Blue Point the general ante-post favourite.

Merchant Navy remains in contention for Aidan O'Brien, who has 14 other horses still in the frame.

The respective last two winners of the July Cup - Harry Angel, who suffered an injury when leaving the stalls in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes, and Limato - are also involved.

As are the first two horses home in the Commonwealth Cup, Eqtidaar and Sands Of Mali.

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