3 minute read

Derby winning jockey Mickael Barzalona will take the plum ride on Delegator in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes as he accepts the offer to be Godolphin's stand in for the suspended Frankie Dettori on the final two days at Royal Ascot next week.

Barzalona, who made headlines with his victory celebration as Pour Moi crossed the line in front at Epsom last Saturday, has a record of six wins from 14 rides for Godolphin in Britain this year.

Simon Crisford, racing manager to Godolphin, said: "Mickael is set to ride for us on the last two days of Ascot when his main ride will be Delegator in the Golden Jubilee.

"He will ride one of our three entries in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes on the same day, which are Passion for Gold, Campanologist and Calvados Blues.

"Johnny Murtagh is also likely to ride for us in this race."

Of other plans for the five-day meeting, Crisford said: "Earlier in the week, we are likely to run both Rewilding and Debussy in the Prince of Wales's Stakes on Wednesday.

"Sajjhaa is on target for the Group 2 Windsor Forest Stakes together with Anna Salai on the same day.

"In the Gold Cup on Thursday, Holberg and Opinion Poll are our likely runners, while Khawlah is set to go in the Group 2 Ribblesdale."

Khawlah, third to Havant at Newmarket last season, made giant strides in Dubai to win the UAE Oaks and then the Derby, where she defeated Master Of Hounds in a thrilling battle.

However, she was behind schedule when arriving back in Newmarket and did not make the Investec Oaks.

Trainer Saeed Bin Suroor reported: "She worked this morning. Frankie Dettori rode her and said she went nicely.

"All options are open for her at the moment."