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Frankie Dettori cleared to return by France Galop

Dettori met with France Galop's medical committee on Tuesday

Thursday 30 May 2013 16:51 BST
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Frankie Dettori may not return in time for the Epsom Classics
Frankie Dettori may not return in time for the Epsom Classics

Jockey Frankie Dettori has been cleared to return to action by France Galop.

The French authority banned Dettori, 42, for six months after he tested positive for cocaine at Longchamp last September, with his suspension reciprocated by the BHA.

The Italian had last week been due to make his comeback but was thwarted in his efforts after a test carried out by France Galop produced, according to the BHA, an "irregularity".

Dettori met with France Galop's medical committee on Tuesday to discuss a "private matter", the resolution of which means the rider can now return to the saddle.

Dettori's French agent Herve Naggar confirmed that all recent tests had returned negative results and the Italian can now resume his career.

"He is back in business," said Naggar.

"Everything has been received by the France Galop medical committee and they can now give him back his licence."

Dettori had been hoping to be back in time for the Investec Derby meeting, which gets underway at Epsom on Friday.

He had been widely touted as a possible rider for one of Aidan O'Brien's five runners in Saturday's Derby but as declarations for the meeting were made before he was cleared to return, Dettori may have to wait until the French Derby meeting on Sunday.

Naggar added: "It's looking like he may return at Chantilly on Sunday, although I have not spoken to Ray Cochrane (Dettori's agent in England).

"It is looking a bit late to get rides at Epsom, but you never know.

"We have got the official confirmation, though."

While Naggar has had confirmation of France Galop's decision, the British Horseracing Authority have yet to receive the necessary notification, although they have previously stated their intention to act swiftly when the correct paperwork arrives.

PA

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