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Dettori relishing Racing League return at Yarmouth on Thursday evening.
Frankie Dettori will have a new role to play as the Racing League 2023 gets underway at Yarmouth on Thursday evening, with the Italian-born superstar taking over from Rupert Bell as manager of The East. However, Dettori, who embarks on his swansong season, will remain competitive in the saddle throughout as he adopts a 'player-manager' position.
Dettori will be bidding for back-to-back victories in the Racing League having ridden for the victorious Wales & The West last year and kicks off his campaign with two rides, including the Charlie Fellowes-trained Cumulonimbus in the concluding £100,000 handicap.
Speaking with Sky Sports Racing, Dettori said: "Obviously being manager is a big responsibility, and all of my team members are going to be trying to win.
"It is great to be representing the East side of the country, coming from Newmarket, and the best thing about Racing League is it is very unpredictable.
"Last year a lot of the races were tightly bunched, most of the races had close finishes and were very competitive. It will give everyone a chance and I think people really liked it last year.
"It is year three now and people can tune in on a Thursday night with something they can follow."
Jamie Osborne's Wales & The West snatched success on the closing night with a stunning 6,539/1 three-timer last year and the Lambourn-based trainer will be hoping to get off to a strong start at Yarmouth, with thirteen runners across the seven-race card, more than any other team.
Osborne said: "I am satisfied without being delirious with our team of runners for week one. We are probably medium in terms of overall strength, and it is nice to have a couple of proper chances. I am pretty sure that, once we gather momentum, we will be putting out stronger squads than this as the weeks go by.
"Milton Harris is very sweet on Alnilam in the staying race, while Ian Williams is sending a nice team across. I personally will be looking for a big run from Elzaam Blue in the big ten-furlong handicap. He made a pleasing start for us at Doncaster earlier this month.
"We will see how it unfolds on Thursday, but we are going all out to defend the title and prove that last year was no fluke. I have a great set of trainers and I think we have a strong chance of doing it."
Presenter Matt Chapman will once again take charge of London & The South and is certainly wary of the task he faces this year with the absence of star trainer Andrew Balding.
"It will be harder for me this year without the backing of some very important trainers, most notably Andrew Balding, although I am very thankful for the support from my trainers for week one.
"I think our best chance is Helm Rock in the seven-furlong handicap for Daniel & Claire Kubler. The stable is in great form, Kieran Shoemark rides, and I think the horse just looks very solid at this level.
"Andaleep goes for the same stable in the £100,000 race. He won impressively at York the other day and was good during Racing League last year. He should be right in the mix, although it looks a strong race."