'Hollywood stuff' - Dettori's fairytale farewell

6 months ago 82
Frankie Dettori claimed a double on his British swansong at AscotDettori claimed a double on his British swansong at Ascot

Frankie Dettori claimed a fairytale final win on his last British ride as King Of Steel took the Champion Stakes at Ascot.

The 52-year-old jockey had earlier sealed an epic triumph on Trawlerman in the opening Long Distance Cup.

Dettori, who has more than 3,300 wins, postponed retirement for a spell in the United States but said this would be his farewell to Britain.

He punched the air in delight after a last-to-first victory on King Of Steel.

"It's absolutely insane, what a day," said Dettori.

"I'm having my last ride winning the Champion Stakes at Ascot, I have to pinch myself."

The 3-1 favourite, trained by Roger Varian for football adviser Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing, was steered to the outside and denied Via Sistina, with French raider Horizon Dore back in third.

All the results from British Champions Day

Earlier, riding for his old employers Godolphin, he edged out Ryan Moore on Kyprios by a neck in a thrilling finish.

"That was nuts - the crowd went crazy," said Dettori, who fought back after being passed by Kyprios in the race and celebrated with his signature flying dismount.

Trawlerman had hit the maximum odds of 999-1 with Betfair in running, but the jockey galvanised his mount for a memorable triumph.

He almost scored again in the following Champions Sprint Stakes, but was just beaten into second on favourite Kinross by 40-1 outsider Art Power, ridden by David Allan for trainer Tim Easterby.

The three-time champion jockey's British swansong comes at the course where he claimed his 'Magnificent Seven' in 1996 - all seven winners on the card at odds of 25,000-1.

Before racing, the Italian who has been based in Britain for 37 years, said he was trying to put his emotions to one side as he concentrated on his rides.

Queen Camilla was on hand as a sculpture of the jockey on horseback - his second statue at the Berkshire course - was unveiled.

Listen on Sounds banner

Could the death penalty ever die out? Join Livvy Haydock as she takes us deep into Death Row in the USAWhat happens when you get too close to Madonna's fire? Annie and Nick share their experience of the opening night of The Celebration Tour

Listen on Sounds footer

Read Entire Article