Dubai Millennium one of many Dettori jewels to have dazzled to date
Frankie Dettori has partnered thousands of winners in his brilliant career to date. As the hugely-popular Italian turns 50, we look at just five of his many memorable moments in the saddle:
Fujiyama Crest, Gordon Carter Handicap, Ascot, 1996
The horse that sealed Dettori’s superstar status and propelled him beyond the confines of the racing world. Fujiyama Crest gave his all under the Italian, making every yard of the running before clinging on by a neck to seal the rider’s Magnificent Seven at Ascot in 1996. Dettori never forgot the Sir Michael Stoute-trained gelding’s contribution to his legend and when his racing days were over, he bought Fujiyama Crest to see out his days in a paddock at his home.
Dubai Millennium, Dubai World Cup, Nad Al Sheba, 2000
Originally named Yaazer, Sheikh Mohammed renamed the Seeking The Gold colt Dubai Millennium when his potential became clear. The 2000 Dubai World Cup was his ultimate target from the moment he took on his new moniker and the colt fulfilled his destiny when Dettori took him to the front after just a furlong and he powered home by six lengths to rapturous cheers from the crowd.
Authorized, Investec Derby, Epsom, 2007
Dettori looked destined to never win the blue-riband event of British Flat racing after 14 unsuccessful attempts, but Peter Chapple-Hyam’s colt was his best chance yet. Slowly away and further back than ideal, Dettori exercised patience and let his mount work his way into contention before joining the issue two furlongs out and powering away by five lengths.
Golden Horn, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Longchamp, 2015
The colt who put Dettori back in the big time. The pair had enjoyed a stunning season, with just one blip, at York, but the crowning moment undoubtedly came in France. The masterful Dettori soon got his mount in the best possible position from an unfavourable draw and while it briefly looked at one stage that Treve might swoop to conquer, the Italian had got it right again and his mount stayed on in tremendous fashion. Majestic.
Enable, King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Ascot, 2019
Enable defined the last three seasons for Dettori and her victory over Crystal Ocean after a titanic battle up the Ascot straight is definitely one for the highlights reel. The pair went toe to toe over the final two furlongs, with Dettori demonstrating his mastery in the saddle as he put down his whip and relied upon hands and heels to snatch a narrow verdict over an incredibly worthy adversary.
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