William Buick will ride California Chrome in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Connections of last year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner have opted for Buick as Frankie Dettori, their first choice, will be aboard Western Hymn for John Gosden in the Group One feature over a mile-and-a-quarter (2400m) on June 17.
California Chrome’s team is happy to have Buick on their side after he beat the horse when he rode Prince Bishop to win the Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March.
“William Buick’s going to ride him. Connections of the horse wanted him to ride,” Newmarket trainer Rae Guest, who is looking after California Chrome, said.
“They did want Frankie, but he’s going to ride Western Hymn.
“They wanted one of the good English or European jockeys and William beat them in Dubai so they know him and he’s available.”
Buick replaces Triple Crown winning jockey Victor Espinoza, who has ridden California Chrome for most of his career.
A jockey for Australian representative is expected to be named this week with Damien Oliver, Craig Williams and Chad Schofield in the mix.
