Dettori incurs wrath of stewards

I thought the interference was minimal [but] I did make a mistake Frankie Dettori

Frankie Dettori has been suspended for one month by racing stewards after pleading guilty to careless riding in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup at Flemington.

Dettori, who rode Godolphin's Mamool, permitted his mount to shift to the outside of Hugs Dancer approaching the 800m mark of the famous two-mile race.

The move prevented sixth-placed Distinction, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, from making a forward move.

Mamool finished seventh behind Makybe Diva, who won back-to-back Cups.

Makybe repeats Cup success

Dettori's worldwide ban starts at midnight on Saturday, meaning he is free to ride at the final meeting of the British flat season at Doncaster that day.

The Italian will win his third British jockeys' premiership as he has a lead of 22 wins over nearest rival Kieren Fallon.

Although a month-long suspension appears harsh, Dettori was told his punishment could have been more severe.

"If it hadn't been for your good record and guilty plea it may well have been more severe," Racing Victoria chief steward Des Gleeson told Dettori.

Have Your Say on Racing

Dettori admitted he had hampered Distinction for about five strides.

"Of course, I wouldn't have done that if I was aware that he was there," Dettori told stewards.

Dettori said he had never been in any trouble with stewards in nine previous trips to Melbourne.

"My record is impeccable in your jurisdiction," he said, adding that he would have received a suspension of two or three days for causing similar interference in England.

"I thought the interference was minimal [but] I did make a mistake."

Dettori is yet to win a Melbourne Cup, with a second place aboard Central Park in 1999 his best effort.