Legendary Jockey Frankie Dettori still has ambitions to become a Champion Jockey once again, despite being hit with a six-month drugs ban.

41-year-old Dettori tested positive for a banned substance in France and will now be out of action until at least May as he sets about trying to rebuild his reputation.

The exact identity of the substance in question has yet to be disclosed, but it thought not to be a performance enhancing drug according to Dettori’s solicitor.

The Italian rider is said to be upset at his actions, claiming that the “let down the sport he loves” and also “his wife and children” but does feel that the he can return stronger than ever.

The multiple champion could be back for the Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot Meetings in June, and his solicitor says that Dettori is hoping to use the set-back as an incentive to succeed once again:

"He is hoping to use this new start to his career as a point from which he can win the jockeys' championship," Christopher Stewart-Moore said.

"He is determined to come back and get into the rhythm of riding on a more regular basis than he has been recently.

"He will be riding for many owners and trainers, hopefully, when he gets back. Most trainers would want Frankie Dettori riding their horses. He's as good as ever."

Dettori faces an uphill challenge to regain the respect of people who worshipped him for his wonderful career, with the rider having won the Jockey’s Championship on three previous occasions.

Only the likes of Lester Piggott and Kieren Fallon can boast a better record than that, and Dettori appears determined to be a winner once again once his ban is over.

His absence means that he will miss illustrious races such as the Dubai World Cup in addition to sitting out the opening eight weeks of the 2013 Flat Racing Season.

Despite being written off by many bookmakers who don’t feel that the 41-year-old can realistically stake a challenge in 2013, Dettori will have been buoyed by the success of Richard Hughes who went on to win the title this year despite a suspension earlier in the season and the Italian will hope that history can repeat itself.

Was Dettori a big reason for you watching horse racing? Try and some Pub Fruit Machines for another way to pass the time.

The presence of four-year unbeaten horse Big Buck’s looks as though it has forced a few to stay away of the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on December 22 as just 13 entries were made for the famous event.

The champion stayer looks set to run at Ascot just before Christmas and then be rested in as he  looks to come out on top in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle for the fifth time at Cheltenham in March.

Such is the power of the Andy Stewart-owned horse that when he is entered into a race, a number of big names do stay away as they know they always have to produce something really special.

However, there are still 12 possible rivals for Big Buck’s and all of the other trainers and owners will be desperate to pull off a famous victory.

This race at Ascot is regarded as one on the highlights of the sport’s festive period and the inclusion of the four-time World Hurdle champion will certainly bring the crowds in.

It is likely that he will be considered the big favourite with the bookmakers and many might be placing their betting bonus on Big Buck’s for this one.

Reve de Sivola and Crack Away Jack have been a distant second to Big Buck’s in the past – so will be looking to get closer to him this time out.

Both, Cucumber Run, Five Dream, Get Me Out Of Here, Kayf Aramis, Master Of The Hall, Noble Alan, Prospect Wells, Smad Place and Trustan Times are the other entries that will be hoping to cause an upset.

When looking at some of these names – it is clear to see that the Long Walk Hurdle will be an event full of quality that Big Buck’s will have to be at his best to win. As ever, bookies such as Stan James are sure to have plenty of odds and markets on this race.