NEWMARKET trainer Luca Cumani confirmed last night that rising star Frankie Dettori is Hongkong-bound next season.
Cumani and fellow-Italian Dettori met for crisis talks in English racing's headquarters following the trainer's return from a West Indies holiday.
The move, which involves Dettori joining Hongkong trainer Gary Ng Ting-keung, had been on the cards for some time following the 22-year-old rider's prolonged stay in the territory over the Christmas and New Year period.
Dettori is understood to have flown to his native Italy last night after his talks with Cumani and is staying with his father, Gianfranco, who has been kept informed of his son's Hongkong ambitions.
Although widely expected, the news will still shock English racing, already reeling from the decision by Irish champion jockey Mick Kinane to split his time between Ireland and Hongkong rather than accept a contract with leading racehorse owner Sheik Mohammed.
Although Dettori has informed Cumani that he will not be available from August onwards, the Royal Hongkong Jockey Club must still approve the proposed contract with Ng.
Ng must apply to the Racing Committee of the Jockey Club for permission to retain a rider next season and he will do this next month.