KING Charles and Frankie Dettori have struck up a partnership – as the world’s most famous jockey begins his farewell tour.
Frankie, 52, has been booked to ride The King’s Reach For The Moon in the Group 3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket on Tuesday.
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Victory in the 3.35 will be worth £45,368 to connections and the John and Thady Gosden-trained four-year-old is currently 6-1 third-favourite.
King Charles and Camilla were left the horse after The Queen died last September.
Reach For The Moon has been gelded since his last run, when he finished sixth of seven as 17-10 fav in a Group 3 race in Saint-Cloud, France.
The horse has been a big money earner, winning £116,000 from his eight races so far.
He almost gave Her late Majesty a Royal Ascot winner but was a shock runner-up to Claymore in the Hampton Court Stakes last June after being sent off 2-5 fav under Dettori.
The horse’s biggest win was worth £34,000 and came in the Group 3 Solario Stakes in August 2021.
Reach For The Moon might have his hooves full in trying to turn over 2-1 fav Poker Face on Tuesday.
The Simon & Ed Crisford-trainer runner is unbeaten in three and has Ryan Moore booked.
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Frankie’s return to Britain comes in his final year as a jockey.
The lovable Italian has spent the winter in California, US, banging in winners.
In fact, he’s been so successful out there that his agent in the States suggested he could delay his decision to retire.
Ron Anderson said: “I have to think, if things keep going well, he might reconsider.
“He is going to be back and forth over to England with some obligations.”
That looks a stretch though, with Frankie saying on the record just a few months ago he intends to call it quits after November’s Breeders’ Cup.
He should get a ride in all the big Classics, plus Royal Ascot, before having his final race in Britain at Ascot on Champions Day.