Racing

Frankie Dettori set for first-ever Bellewstown ride on Thursday

Jockey one of 14 declared for a special race in the memory of the late Barney Curley

Franke Dettori is set for his maiden ride at Bellewstown on Thursday. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA

Tue Sep 28 2021 - 19:11

Frankie Dettori is set for his first-ever ride at Bellewstown, after he was one of 14 jockeys declared to ride in a special race at the Co Meath track on Thursday.

Dettori will ride for Johnny Murtagh in the Gannons City Recovery And Recycling Services Ltd Supporting DAFA Handicap - a race dedicated to the memory of Barney Curley.

Curley died in May aged 81 and all funds raised from Thursday’s race will be donated to his charity Direct Aid for Africa (DAFA), which he set up in 1996 to support people in Zambia.

Dettori partners Murtagh's Trueba, with Jamie Spencer, Shane Kelly and Colin Keane also among those with rides in the race.

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On the appointment of Dettori, Murtagh said: “I’m delighted to be supporting the race and to have Frankie riding for me in Barney’s honour is a real thrill. Frankie is one of my best mates, he’s had a few rides, but he hasn’t ridden a winner for me yet!

“I went out to Zambia with Barney many years ago and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. I’ve seen at first hand the work the charity does, and it makes such a difference to the lives of so many people. Barney was a great man, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed his company, the wonderful stories he told will live long in my memory.”

Meanwhile Alan Delany, Bellewstown committee member and race organiser, said: "We are really excited about Thursday. We are looking forward to welcoming Frankie, Jamie, Tom, and Shane to the Hill of Crockafotha. It's going to be a special race-meeting for everyone as we remember Barney Curley and help raise money for the brilliant work of DAFA."

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