Dettori's return from suspension delayed

The comeback of former British champion jockey Frankie Dettori from a six-month drug suspension has been postponed from Monday until later in May after French racing officials told their counterparts in Brtain on Friday that the rider must first meet with their medical committee.

Dettori had hoped to resume rising at Leicester, England, on Monday.

In a statement, the British Horseracing Authority said that they had yet to receive clearance from French officials.

“The BHA has received notification from France Galop that they are not prepared to sanction Frankie Dettori as fit to race ride until he has had a meeting with their Medical Committee,” according to the statement. “In the absence of a clearance from France, no license will be issued while such matters remain outstanding.”

Dettori was suspended last December, retroactive to Nov. 20, after failing a drug test at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris last September. Dettori has since admitted that he tested positive for cocaine.

One of the world’s top riders over the last 20 years, Dettori, 42, has had a close relationship with Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin Racing in the past. An 18-year relationship with that stable ended last October. As a result, Dettori is expected to ride for a variety of stables when he does return to riding.

In recent weeks, he has ridden in the mornings for trainers such as Aidan O’Brien and Ed Dunlop.