Dubai: Chantal Sutherland's bid to make racing history by becoming the first female jockey to win the Dubai World Cup (G1) was given a timely boost by a long-time friend and riding whiz — Frankie Dettori.
The ebullient Italian, who has ridden over 500 winners including over 100 in the UAE, gave the Canadian-born glamour girl some valuable tips on how to ride the all-weather track at Meydan racecourse.
"I've known Frankie for over 15 years now, we're such good friends," Sutherland, who rides American favourite Game On Dude, told Gulf News during the Breakfast With The Stars get-together. "It was great to catch up with him and exchange notes. I am looking forward to meeting his kids."
"He offered me some advice on what it takes to ride the Tapeta and that's made me feel a lot more confident. I was not really too concerned about being first up on a new surface as it feels a lot similar to some of the tracks that I've ridden back home, mainly Hollywood Park (California), because it has a nice cushion. I think it will suit the Dude.
"But you know any inside information is great, particularly when it comes from someone like Frankie."
Sutherland, who is also a model and television personality back home, said that Dettori also told her not to fret about being drawn on the outside stall (14).
"He said not to worry too much, as it doesn't really matter," she said.
