Frankie Dettori is reported to be on the brink of signing on as the retained rider for Sheikh Joaan Al Thani, one of the rising forces in the racing and breeding world.

The Racing Post says the former champion jockey could be on the verge of signing a deal to ride for the half brother of Sheikh Fahad, owner of 2011 Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden.

Dettori's long and highly successful partnership with Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin ended last autumn and he was then hit with a six-month drug ban from which he returned only on the eve of the Epsom Derby on May 31.

The 42-year-old has ridden five winners from 81 rides in Britain since his return but drew a blank at Royal Ascot last month.

A member of the Qatari royal family, Sheikh Joaan is building a string of top-class horses headed by St James's Palace Stakes runner-up Toronado and Group One winner Olympic Glory, both trained by Richard Hannon, and the Marco Botti-trained Dubai World Cup third Planteur.

Sheikh Joaan, who owns the 125-hectare Haras de Bouquetot stud in Normandy, bought Olympic Glory last year and had his first runners in Britain earlier this year.