Camelot will still be at Ballydoyle in 2013, but Frankie Dettori's future is less certain The damage it did to his 19-year association with Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin and, indeed, whether that association staggers over the line to a 20th anniversary, will become clearer at about the time Dubai's ruler normally writes the jockey the cheque for his annual retainer. Either way it appears the scissors are snipping at the umbilical cord between the two, which has made the relationship one of the strongest, longest and most successful in racing, netting over 100 Group Ones. Dettori was clearly hurt when he was overlooked for the ride on Monterosso in the Dubai World Cup. It was the first sign that the mistress was about to move in and, when he had to sit out the Oaks, again in favour of Mickael Barzalona, it was as if she had begun redecorating. Accordingly, Dettori sought clarification on his position. He was told that if not riding for Godolphin he was a free agent but, it seems, there are various interpretations of what constitutes a free agent in Godolphin's eyes. There is, it seems, one string attached. The fact that he missed and that a bruised and battered Camelot finished seventh, having lost three shoes and sustained a cut, some way behind Godolphin's Masterstroke in third, is neither here nor there. The damage is done. In the circumstances Camelot ran a solid race. "I felt the long season took its toll," said Dettori. When I asked him he took me straight there on the bridle, but the signs were already there. He was like a horse who has run once too often and the ground just caught me out quicker. For his position in the pantheon of Derby winners Camelot is best not judged on this race. Only victory or an honourable defeat would have the restored the reputation so tarnished by his Leger defeat, but this run did not further damage it. He stays in training so comparisons can be made next year. Dettori has now ridden in 25 Arcs and won three, all for Godolphin, but this one may have the most far reaching consequences of the lot. Camelot will still be at Ballydoyle next season but whether Dettori is at Godolphin remains to be seen.