Racehorse TALK

Dettori's Godolphin Future "Clouded" As Ajtebi On Gladiatorus
Meanwhile under the headline "Dettori's Godolphin Future Clouded", The Guardian in London boldly declared overnight: "For 15 years Frankie Dettori has been Godolphin's No1 jockey. That might be about to change." The speculation has been triggered by the surprising announcement that apprentice Ahmed Ajtebi has been given the prestigious ride on the world's highest-rated galloper Gladiatorus in the flagship Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes in this evening's (Australian time) opening day of the Royal Ascot carnival. The newspaper commented: "What must Frankie Dettori be thinking? Godolphin's riding arrangements for the Queen Anne Stakes have put a question mark over the Italian jockey's future, as he has been booked to ride a horse that appears to be their 2nd-string. Gr1 success has been hard to come by for Godolphin in recent times, so the fact that their Gladiatorus will line up with a favourite's chance is a big deal for Sheikh Mohammed's operation. But instead of putting Dettori on board, as they have done without hesitation when he has been available for major races over the last 15 years, they have let the apprentice Ahmed Ajtebi keep the ride. Dettori will be on the 9-1 shot Alexandros. . . . . . When such a talented horse carries the royal blue silks for the first time, it has almost invariably been the case that Dettori is aboard. No longer. . . . . If Dettori's retirement is not imminent, it is surprising to see Sheikh Mohammed lining up what looks very much like a future replacement." (Jun 16)