Why did Dettori ride Scorpion?

supremenovice

2005 St Ledger.
Frankie Dettori rides Scorpion to victory for Aidan O Brien - but why Dettori?
Why was Kinnane or Fallon not on him?
And has Dettori ridden often for O Brien?

Thanks in advance

Whyno

Because fallon was at leopardstown produing a masterclass on Oratorio. Kinane was retained by the aga khan and rode in leopardstown that day also. Scorpion was a steering job that day and i was and still am suprised that heffernan or o donoghue wasnt sent across to ride him.

Morgans

Not saying that Heffernan or O'Donoghue couldn't have won on him but Scorpion was a very tricky ride. Definitely a mind on his own. At the time, Shiekh Mohammed was at the height of his Coolmore boycott, and Magnier, Tabor etc saw it as as a good opportunity to poke one in the eye when Dettori declared himself available. Godolphin didnt have much to shout about at the time, and DEttori was happy for a classic winner. He reportedly got a good ticking off from Sheikh Mohammed after.

gscully

Morgans wrote: »

Not saying that Heffernan or O'Donoghue couldn't have won on him but Scorpion was a very tricky ride. Definitely a mind on his own. At the time, Shiekh Mohammed was at the height of his Coolmore boycott, and Magnier, Tabor etc saw it as as a good opportunity to poke one in the eye when Dettori declared himself available. Godolphin didnt have much to shout about at the time, and DEttori was happy for a classic winner. He reportedly got a good ticking off from Sheikh Mohammed after.

Also, IIRC, didn't Scorpion stumble or shy from the rail just after he hit the front? Cost him a few lengths I think. It paid to have a top-class jockey on him that day.

Morgans

Yeah. Quirky horse. Backed him for the Epsom Derby after his debut. Thought he was something special then. http://www.attheraces.com/VideoConsole/?va=LEO_2005_05_08_02_1455&vaff=10

Didnt look to clever after he lost his next two and missed Epsom. Had him each way on Irish Derby day. Somewhat eased the pain.

UrbanSea

Funny you should I ask that I was only looking at that last night.

Colonel Sanders

I remember this well. Didn't back Scorpion but backed Oratorio in the Irish Champion

Was an idle enough horse who needed plenty of stoking along but Fallon was excellent on him and landed me a decent few quid that day

I remember thinking it strange alright that he'd given up what looked a steering job in a classic but Oratorio's performance proved him correct

bit of a bogey

Colonel Sanders wrote: »

I remember this well.

I do too! It was probally the best day I've ever had backing horses!!
I couldnt do nothing wrong!

..............................................If only it lasted!!

supremenovice

Cheers lads.
I recall that Dettori had said it was a hollow victory and he regrets taking the ride.
I always like it when someone other than the Ballydoyle Number 1 jockey gets a big winner for them i.e Ryan Moore on Beethoven last year.

kfallon

Mick Kinane was actually injured that day after a fall at the Curragh a few weeks previously. Soumillon rode Azamour that day and gave Chic one of the worst rides ever seen at Leopardstown :eek:

Morgans

Yeah. Chic hurt. Couldnt see how it wouldnt claim Attraction late on. She wasnt really given the best chance.

Nulty

bit of a bogey wrote: »

I do too! It was probally the best day I've ever had backing horses!!
I couldnt do nothing wrong!

..............................................If only it lasted!!

A bit like this guy??

http://www.gg.com/tipzone/tipsterprofile.php?id=8605

UrbanSea

Nulty wrote: »

A bit like this guy??

http://www.gg.com/tipzone/tipsterprofile.php?id=8605

29 tips today? That's alot

Whyno

Morgans wrote: »

Yeah. Chic hurt. Couldnt see how it wouldnt claim Attraction late on. She wasnt really given the best chance.

Im delighted she didnt catch attraction that day

I was in leopardstown the day scorpion won his maiden and he was just your big typical montjeu. Quirky but with undoubted ability.