Frankie Dettori Down Royal rides

Down Royal racegoers are in for a rare treat on Friday, with Frankie Dettori set to make his first ever appearance at the Lisburn circuit.

The 52-year-old might be preparing to bring his glittering career in the saddle to an end later this year but he has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down, riding a whole host of big-race winners both at home and abroad in 2023 so far.

His farewell tour made an unlikely stop in Hungary last weekend, with Dettori performing his trademark flying dismount twice after riding a double at Kincsem Park in Budapest, and next on his agenda is a first competitive outing in Northern Ireland.

Frankie Dettori Down Royal rides

6.05 – No Thanks

Disappointed last time out when a well-backed favourite at Leopardstown but previously posted a fifth career victory by staying on strongly to beat a big field over hurdles at Ballinrobe and could still be nicely handicapped on the level.

6.40 – Evening’s Empire

Has won only once in 13 outings but came mightily close to doubling his tally when a short-head second at this course in late July, going down by just a short-head to St Faz. Drops back down in distance here and another bold showing is anticipated.

Down Royal’s chief executive Emma Meehan has been working on getting the legendary Italian to the track since the spring and is delighted those efforts have paid off.

She said: “We’ve been trying to get him in before his swansong, as it will be the first time he’s ridden in the north of Ireland.