Royal Ascot 2020: Frankie Dettori booked for Irish flyer Sceptical as BHA rules force Denis Hogan to look elsewhere
NOT one to miss a big ride at Royal Ascot, Frankie Dettori was first on the blower to grab the ride on Irish flyer Sceptical in the King’s Stand Stakes.
Denis Hogan’s rag to riches sprinter – bought for less then £3000 – is as short as 5-2 for the Group 1 sprint next week, but 7lbs claimer and usual pilot Joey Sheridan is unable to take the ride due to BHA rules.
The four-year-old started life with Godolphin, but was snapped up by owner James McAuley at the sales in August before making his debut at Dundalk in October.
He subsequently won three times on the all-weather for trainer Hogan through the winter and proved equally as capable on his first turf start at Naas on Monday, running out an emphatic winner of the Woodlands Stakes.
Sheridan has partnered Sceptical on his last two outings, but 7lb claimers cannot resume riding in Britain until June 22.
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Trainer Hogan said: “He came out of the race well and he was entered this morning for Royal Ascot. There are 14 entries in the King’s Stand.
“Obviously Joey won’t be able to ride and it’s great that we have got Frankie.
“A lot of the top jockeys were looking for the ride, but Frankie was first in and he’s on board. It’s very exciting to have him.”
Meanwhile, Sheikh Fahad – fresh off the buzz of Kameko’s win in the Qipco 2000 Guineas – has purchased debut two-year-old winner The Lir Jet.
The juvenile won first time up at Yarmouth for trainer Michael Bell in the colours of his son, Nick. He’ll next be seen at Royal Ascot in the Norfolk Stakes donning the famous Qatar Racing colours.
Qatar Racing’s racing manager David Redvers, said: “Sheikh Fahad is always on the lookout for the right horse and watched The Lir Jet win at Yarmouth and liked what he saw.
“Hopefully, we’ll see that blistering turn of foot in the Norfolk Stakes next Friday. He looks a strong individual and looks a ready-made Royal scot runner.”
Michael Bell added: “It’s great that Sheikh Fahad has stepped in for The Lir Jet and he’s a great friend who I’ve trained successfully for before. We have a great working relationship and hopefully we can do so again.”