The last leap from the saddle - an iconic celebration of each of his victories - in the most prestigious setting: timeless Frankie Dettori, who at 52 bids farewell to Royal Ascot in the best possible way, with the umpteenth success of a legendary career.
Riding the Qatari-owned thoroughbred Gregory, the Italian-British jockey won the Queen's Vase, a race with a great tradition that dates back as far as 1938. An exceptional spectator of the umpteenth Dettori feat - arrived at his Last Dance, he confirmed his retirement from racing at the end of the year - King Charles III, who attended the prestigious horse show for the first time as a monarch. An unfortunate debut for the new ruler: in the same race as Dettori, his horse, Circle of Fire, finished only in fourth place. «I thought it could never happen - the irrepressible happiness of Dettori - Winning in my last appearance here is something indescribable. I feel so happy, but sad at the same time."
The 78th victory at Ascot breaks the spell that in the second day of the competition had reserved him a string of defeats, three times relegated to the second step of the podium. "I didn't think it was possible to win Ascot this year, I was almost resigned," added Dettori, who is now the big favorite (5/2) for the St Leger (Doncaster), the last English classic Frankie will participate in September.
When will the curtain finally fall on a career that has made him a living legend of horse racing, especially in England where he has become a celebrity also thanks to frequent appearances on television. His name will always remain associated with Royal Ascot where he accomplished his masterpiece, managing to win all seven races in which he had taken part in a single day in 1996.
