Hazapour© Photo Healy Racing
Dermot Weld has snapped up Frankie Dettori to ride Hazapour in the Investec Derby on Saturday week.
The Shamardal colt, who is from the same family as Weld’s 2016 Derby winner Harzand, booked his Epsom ticket with an impressive success in the Derrinstown Derby Trial at Leopardstown earlier this month.
He was ridden by Declan McDonogh that day, but Dettori will take over at Epsom as while his retained trainer John Gosden has a Derby contender in Roaring Lion, that colt is owned by Qatar Racing Ltd whose main rider is Oisin Murphy.
Weld is currently without the services of stable jockey Pat Smullen and has moved quickly to secure two-time Derby winner Dettori.
The rider’s agent, Ray Cochrane, said: “I can confirm Frankie rides Mr Weld’s horse in the Derby.
“It’s a great ride to get. He looked really impressive in winning the Derrinstown, which is always the best trial in Ireland.
“He looks an exciting horse.”
