IT has been confirmed that Frankie Dettori will once again visit Bellewstown on Wednesday, September 27th.

Dettori is due to retire at the end of the year and his autumn diary is filling up fast, with trips to Budapest, Santa Anita, Flemington and Sha Tin all pencilled in.

But the 52-year-old has found time to confirm his attendance at Bellewstown later this month for a fundraiser in aid of Direct Aid For Africa, the charity set up by his friend and mentor, the late Barney Curley.

This will be third year in a row that Dettori attended the September meeting in Bellewstown. In 2021 he rode a winner for Johnny Murtagh there but last year Dettori was restricted to a captain’s role due a riding suspension. It seems Dettori will again be acting in an ambassadorial role at this year’s event rather than race-riding.

Bellewstown is likely to be rammed to capacity for Dettori’s next visit, not only because of the star name in attendance, but also because there is free admission, courtesy of the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association.

Alan Delany of Bellewstown said: “Over the last two years we’ve had two very special race days at Bellewstown in memory of Barney Curley and we are very keen to remember his special association with Bellewstown and continue his legacy, and the wonderful work of DAFA.

“We are delighted and thankful to have Frankie return to Bellewstown in this the year of his retirement and given how supportive punters have been to the charity and this event in the past it is fantastic that we can offer free entry to all, thanks to the National Bookmakers Association. There will be special events throughout the day that will allow people to meet up with Frankie and support the DAFA charity.”

Ray Mulvaney, chairman of the Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association, said: “It is fantastic to get the opportunity to support this great event at Bellewstown. Barney is a racing legend and the work DAFA does in helping the poorest of the poor in Zambia is inspirational. As bookmakers we are looking forward to a very special day with Frankie in September and it is great that there will now be free entry for all on the day!”