Dettori ruled out of Royal Ascot

Frankie Dettori will miss Royal Ascot with the arm injury he suffered in a fall last week.

The Italian is the most successful Royal Ascot jockey currently active and was fancied to add to his tally after being handed some big rides, none more so than King‘s Stand Stakes favourite Lady Aurelia.

US trainer Todd Pletcher had also been counting on him to guide American Patriot to victory in the opening Queen Anne Stakes, but will now have to find a replacement after the 46-year-old confirmed his absence.

Dettori was injured in a paddock fall at Yarmouth last Tuesday but was fit enough to take his place on board Shutter Speed in the French Oaks on Sunday.

However, the three-time champion jockey is not happy with the condition of his arm and has withdrawn from all five days of Royal Ascot.

Dettori said: “I’ve been trying so hard to get fit for today, but had to accept this morning that it wasn’t going to happen.

“I’ve got to have physio and get it properly looked at so won’t be at Ascot this week.

“For me, that is soul destroying as it is the most important week of the year. I’ll be counting the days until next year.”