It's soul destroying says Dettori who misses Royal Ascot

Dettori, 46, is one of the most successful jockeys in the history of the royal meeting, with 56 career winners.

And he had an enviable book of rides this year, including the eagerly-anticipated Lady Aurelia in Tuesday's King Stand Stakes.

Dettori suffered a fall in the paddock at Yarmouth last week but returned to action in Sunday's French Oaks at Chantilly.

However, he said the injury was still troubling him.

"I've been trying so hard to get fit for today but had to accept this morning it wasn't going to happen," he said.

"I've got to have physio and get it properly looked after so won't be at Ascot this week. For me that's soul destroying as it's the most important week of the year.

"I'll be counting the days until next year."

Dettori's ride on Wesley Ward's Lady Aurelia will be taken by American jockey John Velazquez, who won this year's Kentucky Derby on Always Dreaming.

Meanwhile, the going remains unchanged for the opening day with the official description 'good to firm, good in places'

Sportsbeat 2017