Having written recently about a new generation of jockeys coming to the fore at the Royal Ascot meeting, the old guard then went and landed a top job with the appointment of Frankie Dettori as the first jockey to Sheikh Joann Al Thani.
At the age of 42 Dettori should consider himself very fortunate to have landed such a prominent role for a leading force in European racing. He has had a distinctly lacklustre return from his French racing ban for a prohibited substance and it would have been refreshing to see the Sheikh opt for a younger, up and coming jockey for the role.
Dettori said: "I'm thrilled to have taken a job for an outstanding new owner and I'm looking forward to the association. I went over to Chantilly and had a nice meeting with Sheikh Joann. We've started an agreement and I'm looking forward to this new venture for me."
"He seems a very ambitious owner. He's got plenty of horses and he's got plans to expand, so it's a good opportunity for me to get back in the big league."
