Frankie Dettori’ s dream of riding in this year’s Kentucky Derby has suffered a setback after potential mount Newgate was ruled out until the summer.
During his winter stay in California, Dettori has made no secret of his desire to compete in the Kentucky Derby in May in his retirement year.
He looked to have found a suitable partner when he steered the Bob Baffert-trained Newgate to a last to first victory in a Grade 3 race at Santa Anita last weekend.
But he is off the Triple Crown trail after vets discovered a minor injury in the days following the race.
Tom Ryan, managing partner to one of the colt’s owners SF Racing, broke the news on Twitter, declaring that Newgate “has been diagnosed with a minor hock issue.
“Our vets have recommended 60/90 days before resuming training. His prognosis to return is excellent. We look forward to seeing him back this summer.”
Newgate would have to be transferred to another barn in order to be eligible to run at Churchill Downs where Baffert is still banned after Medina Spirit tested positive for a banned substance in 2021.
Dettori, who is joint third in the Santa Anita standings with ten winners, had helped prepare Newgate for the Robert B Lewis, which was his second Graded race win at the track.
"Frankie Dettori has been teaching him how to just sit back, relax and come with a punch and that's what he did today," said Baffert after the race.
The Kentucky Derby is the same Saturday as the Qipco 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket in which Dettori will be first choice to ride Dewhurst Stakes winner Chaldean.
