Chance of riding Camelot in Arc is an ‘honour’ for Dettori

Frankie Dettori spoke of his “honour” at being chosen to partner Camelot in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday.

The ride on the 2000 Guineas and dual Derby winner became available as trainer Aidan O’Brien’s son, Joseph, is unable to get down to the weight of 8st 11lb.

Dettori has not ridden for O’Brien since winning the 2005 St Leger at Doncaster on Scorpion.

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The Italian will be riding in his 25th consecutive Arc, which he has won three times on Lammtarra (1995), Sakhee (2001) and Marienbard (2002).

“It’s a real honour to be chosen to ride the Guineas and Derby winner in the Arc,” said Dettori. “A couple of high-profile horses haven’t made the race so he’s right up there at the head of the betting.

“I’m really excited. It’s a really good record, 25 Arcs in a row, so I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a shame this year that Godolphin don’t have a horse in the race. What has happened in the last few days is pretty unbelievable (with defections from the race) – Snow Fairy has an injury, Nathaniel is out.

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“Joseph can’t do the weight on Camelot and the ride became available.

“It’s an honour for me to be asked to ride the horse and I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s been a long season but if the Camelot turns up we know he should have a good chance.”

Camelot’s participation in the Arc had been up in the air since his defeat in the St Leger at Doncaster last month, when he was prevented from claiming the Triple Crown by Encke.

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But after having worked at O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable yesterday morning, the decision was made to let the three-year-old colt take his chance.

n Frankel remains on course to end is career in the Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 20.

Sir Henry Cecil’s superstar features among 17 going forward for the Group One contest over 10 furlongs.

Unbeaten in 13 starts, Frankel stepped up to a mile-and-a-quarter with aplomb at York in the Juddmonte International Stakes and it would rate as one of the biggest shocks in racing history were he not to finish his career on a winning note.

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Last year’s winner Cirrus Des Aigles is due to reappear this weekend in the Prix Dollar, having not been seen since testing positive to an anti-inflammatory when second in the Prix d’Ispahan in May.

Only 13 horses remain in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Champions Day.

Excelebration has been installed as odds-on favourite by Coral and Aidan O’Brien’s four-year-old will relish not having to tackle Frankel.

Sir Michael Stoute’s Carlton House would be a popular winner for the Queen, while the Roger Charlton-trained Cityscape still has the option.