Dettori said to test positive in France

Prominent England-based jockey Frankie Dettori tested positive for a banned substance in France on Sept. 16, and faces an inquiry from that country’s racing body, France Galop, next week.

France Galop didn’t provide any details concerning the positive test. Christopher Stewart-Moore, a lawyer speaking on Dettori’s behalf, released a statement Tuesday saying, in part, that “as a consequence of a positive test at Longchamp on September 16, 2012, [Dettori] will be the subject of an inquiry by the Medical Committee of France Galop next week.”

Dettori rode four stakes on Sept. 16 at Longchamp, a day of major preparatory trials for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

Dettori, who turns 42 on Dec. 15, made news earlier this fall when he and Godolphin ended an 18-year agreement. Two weeks after Dettori rode Camelot in the Arc for Coolmore and trainer Aidan O’Brien, he and Godolphin announced that Dettori would no longer rider under a retainer. Dettori plans to offer his services on a freelance basis in 2013.