Dettori set for early return to the saddle

FRANKIE DETTORI'S much awaited comeback will begin at Newmarket tomorrow evening, exactly eight weeks after he fractured his elbow in a parade ring fall.

The dual champion jockey will ease his way back into the limelight with one or possibly two rides for his main employer, John Gosden, at his local track.

Originally expected to wait until Saturday, he will now return to action on the unraced two year old Conon Falls, a definite starter in the Carwin Maiden Stakes, while Inquisitor's participation depends on the ground.

Dettori has surprised everyone with the speed of his recovery from an injury that was initially expected to keep him out of action until early September.

But the Reading surgeon, Dr Richard Dodds, who originally pinned the left elbow that took the impact of Dettori's fall from Shawanni at Newbury on June 13th, is satisfied he is fit to resume.

An examination by the race course doctor, who must give final clearance before racing, is expected to be a formality.

Gosden is looking forward to his rider's return. "The original operation went well. Dr Dodds did a good job and Frankie has worked very hard to come back," he said.

"He was initially hoping to be back for September 1st and then set his sights on York. But in order to be read that meeting, he needs a rides under his belt.

"I am pleased that he will be in action on Friday. It makes a great difference to the stable, but my runners will need the run."

To start with Dettori is limiting his mounts to horses from the Gosden or Godolphin yards.

But he could be back in the big race spotlight a week on Saturday when Classic Cliche, whom he rode in work yesterday, could contest the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury.

Among his mounts at York the week after could be Halling, in the Juddmonte International, and Pricket in the Yorkshire Oaks.

He will return on a score of 52 winners this season with little books retaining his title which set to return to Pat Eddery.