Anthony Delpech – travelling
Leading South African jockey Anthony Delpech has been engaged to ride the J&B Met winner Smart Call in the Gr1 Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on 1 October.
The Sporting Post has learnt from a reliable source that the Wilgerbosdrift-Mauritzfontein retained rider may also partner the star daughter of Ideal World at Santa Anita in the Gr I Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Trainer Alec Laird and owner-breeder Jessica Slack will be hoping the effort of taking the J&B Met winner halfway across the world is worthwhile as she prepares for her first race in the UK.
She was put through her paces recently by champion jockey Frankie Dettori, who added:
“She was a little rusty but that was her first serious piece of work since she’s been here,” was Dettori’s verdict as he left the gallops. “That will bring her on nicely and there’s three weeks (at that time) to go before the race which should be perfect.”
