Dettori to face Turf Club probe

Racing News and preview: Frankie Dettori didn't show at the Curragh last Sunday for the Britain versus Ireland jockeys' challenge, but the Italian star will have to make the trip to the Turf Club for a hearing into the matter, writes Brian O'Connor Racing Correspondent

The Turf Club chief executive Denis Egan has confirmed that Dettori's presence will be required at an Appeals and Referrals Committee hearing after the jockey's non-appearance at the weekend was referred by the stewards on the day.

"No date has been set and we will be getting in contact with Frankie Dettori to see if a suitable date for all concerned can be arranged," said Egan.

"A committee hearing is scheduled for the start of May, but that could clash with Chester so we will have to see what unfolds. But the plan is that he will have to come over."

Dettori was supposed to captain the British team in a one-race jockeys' challenge last Sunday, but failed to appear at the Curragh and his place was taken by Tom Queally.

The current champion jockey in Britain was reportedly ill and said that he had no contact number in order to get in contact with officials at the Curragh.

Dettori will appear in front of the Appeals and Referrals Committee in relation to a possible breach of Rule 272 which refers to the reputation of racing.

A range of penalties are possible for the rider with a maximum fine of €20,000 open to the committee. However, that is unlikely to be used.

Last Saturday's Scottish Grand National hero Joe's Edge could be the latest big name to commit to next week's Punchestown Festival with a mouth-watering clash against the Irish National winner Numbersixvalverde now possible.

Friday week's €100,000 betfair.com Novice Chase is a target for both horses after Joe's Edge pleased his trainer Ferdy Murphy in a couple of canters yesterday.

"We're going to give Punchestown some serious thought. The girl who rides him all the time says he is in fantastic form and we will probably make a final decision on Friday. If he runs Keith Mercer will ride again," said Murphy.

The valuable handicap is also the aim for Numbersixvalverde, but his trainer, Martin Brassil, will not run his stable star if the ground gets too quick next week.

"He seems very well after Fairyhouse and the race doesn't appear to have taken much out of him, visibly anyway," said Brassil.

"He will learn nothing staying here at home, but he might learn something on the track. The plan is to run if the ground is soft. He would not run if it gets any harder."

Willie Mullins will also be keeping a close eye on the weather for his versatile star, Rule Supreme, who has entries in both the Guinness Gold Cup and the Ballymore Properties Stayers Hurdle next week.

"We won't make a decision until nearer the day about which race he goes for. He will be confirmed in both and then we will see which way we are going," Mullins said.

After Punchestown Rule Supreme is scheduled to go to Auteuil in May for the Prix la Barka before another attempt at the French Champion Hurdle which he won last year.

Conditions will be testing again at Gowran today where John Oxx gives Significant a racecourse debut in the three-year-old auction maiden.

This will be a stiff test for the gelding despite the stable's excellent start to the season and it could be that Casual Remark's experience will swing things her way. The Weld filly put in a decent run behind Faint Heart on softish ground at Tralee last year.

Fuerta Ventura has kicked off the season in fine style and has a 5lb penalty for a Navan success in the opening handicap. Despite topping the weights that doesn't look enough to stop the hat-trick.