Monday 21 March 2016 18:06, UK
Frankie Dettori nominated Galileo Gold as the horse that could help lead him to more big-race glory and keep his name in the limelight as he bids to follow up a stellar 2015 campaign.
After two low-key seasons the 45-year-old burst back on to centre stage last term thanks to victories achieved aboard Golden Horn in the Derby, Eclipse and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to enjoy one of the most memorable few months of his glittering career.
While he will no longer be able to call upon the services of Golden Horn, the Newmarket-based Italian is confident the Hugo Palmer-trained three-year-old, whom he steered to victory in last year's Vintage Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, can be a more than adequate replacement for John Gosden's superstar.
Dettori said: "It was the best season (for me) since 1996. Golden Horn was fantastic and was a machine. I was very lucky to have him.
"It was very important to me to have a season like that, as I had obviously had a dry spell for two years.
"When I am old I can sit back in my rocking chair and I can remember those moments, as they can't be taken away from me.
"Now what I need to do is find another Golden Horn and maybe there is one out there. When Sea The Stars came along everyone thought he was a one off, then Frankel arrived.
"A horse that I really like of Hugo Palmer's is Galileo Gold. He is one that would be near the top of my shortlist.
"A mile was on the short side for him and he will get at least a mile and a quarter. He doesn't need to improve very much to be very good."
Although excited about the prospects of Galileo Gold for the forthcoming season, Dettori is equally as revved up about getting back on board last year's Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes winner Shalaa who, like Galileo Gold, is owned by his employers Al Shaqab Racing.
He said: "Shalaa was very green first time out, but was the fastest two-year-old I rode last year - and in my life.
"You don't know what happens between two and three as some train on and some don't but if he has, he could be a real force in the sprinting division.
"He looks great and I'm sure I will be back aboard him soon."
Taking a moment to reflect on a season which saw him operate with a 22 per cent strike-rate and partner 76 winners in Great Britain - his highest total in a year since 2010 - it is clear that one victory stands out above them all.
Dettori said: "I would say the Derby was the biggest thrill for me last year. As a 44-year-old you don't get too many chances to win these races again and he comes along as favourite and wins.
"It was the whole package put together and my kids were all old enough to understand it, that's why it meant so much.
"He was tough, like a leader - all he wanted to do was beat the horse in front of him.
"At the start of the year he was a work in progress, but he just kept getting better and better to become the horse he was. It was fantastic."
This year the three-times champion jockey will take on an additional role away from the racetrack after agreeing a deal to become a brand ambassador for betting firm Ladbrokes.
As part of the package, which was announced today in London at 34 Restaurant in Grosvenor Square, Dettori will front brand, marketing, media and internal campaigns throughout the year.
He said: "I am really pleased to be working with Ladbrokes. I've come to know the team there very well over the years and I'm looking forward to working more closely with them now.
"It's a challenge I am excited about and it's a great opportunity to promote racing as widely as possible."
Dan Staples, Marketing Director, UK at Ladbrokes said: "Frankie has been the biggest name in the sport for two decades.
"He is pure box office and we're delighted that he's joining Ladbrokes as our ambassador."
