Kinross set for fresh start as he looks to prove there's life after Frankie Dettori when he returns to action at Newcastle

Kinross, one of the most popular flat horses in training, will aim to prove there is life after Frankie Dettori when he makes his season reappearance.

The seven-year-old gelding was a favourite of Dettori; he’s raced 19 times since May 2021 and was partnered by the charismatic Italian on 15 of those occasions. The pair combined for seven victories but it should have been eight, with Dettori blaming himself for a defeat at Ascot last October.

But with Dettori now pursuing a new career in the United States, the responsibility of riding Kinross in the Group Three Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle this afternoon (2.04) has fallen to Hector Crouch – one of trainer Ralph Beckett’s go-to riders.

This is an important afternoon for the stable, with significant runners at the Curragh in Ireland and at Newmarket but all eyes will be on Kinross, who has earned £1.7million during his remarkably consistent career and has two Group One victories on his CV.

‘We felt running over six furlongs on fast ground at Ascot (last week) would be too much for him at his age now and the extra week probably isn’t a bad thing,’ said owner Marc Chan’s racing manager, Jamie McCalmont.

‘Starting back on a synthetic surface looks a suitable thing to do and he should be competitive. He’ll improve from the run, but we’ll see. If he comes out of Newcastle well, there’s no reason why you wouldn’t run back two weeks later in the July Cup. It will depend on how he comes out of the race.’

Beckett will have a firm eye on events at The Curragh as Bluestocking, the filly he trains for leading owner-breeders Juddmonte, will aim to win the Group One Pretty Polly Stakes. Bluestocking was hugely impressive when she returned to action at York in May.

‘She’s doing great at home,’ said her jockey Rossa Ryan. ‘It’s going to be a big test but I imagine she will take a big step forward.’