Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori turned down the opportunity to make a sensational return to the saddle in next week's Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
American handler Wesley Ward revealed to the Racing Post that he contacted Dettori for the plumb ride aboard Bacio in next Friday's feature sprint prize.
Ward had initially earmarked five-time champion jockey Oisin Murphy for the ride, however, the decision to delay Asfoora's retirement to beyond the Nunthorpe sees the Irishman partner Henry Dwyer's mare as she bids for back-to-back successes in the race.
With Ward left without concrete riding arrangements, he made an audacious attempt to lure Dettori of his retirement.
“We were in a bit of a quandary with the jockey situation, so I made a phone call to my old pal," the 58-year-old trainer told the Racing Post.
“I said to him, 'Frankie, will you put your riding boots on one last time?' He said to me, 'I sure would love to, but unfortunately I can't.'"
Dettori last rode on British shores in 2023, going out right at the very top when he steered Trawlerman and King Of Steel home to a sensational Group 1 double on Ascot Champions Day. The 55-year-old had a brief stint riding in North America before finishing his storied career with a tour of South America.
His final ride ended with victory, lifting Bet You Can home to land the Grande Premio Estado do Rio De Janeiro at Gavea racecourse in Rio de Janeiro.
There has been a happy ending for Ward, however. Regular rider Juan Hernandez is now available after initial concerns that he would struggle to make it back to the US to ride in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar that takes place on the following day.
Acapulco and Lady Aurelia have provided Ward with two runner-up finishes in the Coolmore-sponsored Group 1, but he will be hoping that it is third time lucky with Bacio.
The three-year-old has already found success in England, winning the Palace Of Holyroodhouse handicap by three-and-three-quarter-lengths to book his ticket to York where is the 3/1 favourite.
Any odds displayed were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.
