Horse Racing Tips
Frankie Dettori’s Five Greatest Moments
Frankie Dettori, a name synonymous with horse racing, is a living legend to racing fans both young and old. Dettori has enjoyed a remarkable career that spans several decades. His charisma, talent, and passion for horse racing have made him a beloved figure in the sport.
We take a closer look here at five of the moments that made Frankie Dettori the jockey he is.
The Magnificent Seven at Ascot (1996)
One of the most iconic moments in horse racing history came on September 28, 1996, at Ascot. Frankie Dettori achieved the impossible by riding all seven winners on a single racecard. This historic achievement became known as ‘Frankie Dettori’s Magnificent Seven’ and is a feat that may never be replicated.
Dettori’s remarkable day began with a win aboard Wall Street, and it continued with wins in each of the subsequent races. Diffident won at 12/1, followed by Mark Of Esteem at 100/30, then came Decorated Hero at 7/1, Fatefully at 7/4, Lochangel at 5/4, then – finally – Fujiyama Crest at 2/1. This was the moment that cemented his status as a racing legend.
The ‘Magnificent Seven’ wasn’t just a personal triumph for Dettori; it was a huge moment in racing history, proving that the impossible was, in fact, possible and will spur on generations of jockeys hoping to achieve something similar.
Winning two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes with Enable
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is one of the most prestigious Flat races in the world, and Frankie Dettori has won this race on six occasions.
Perhaps the best of those wins, though, are the two consecutive victories in 2017 and 2018 aboard John Gosden’s superstar filly, Enable.
By Nathaniel, Enable won 15 of her 19 starts, which included 11 Group 1s, and Dettori rode her on all but one of these occasions.
They were a much-revered partnership, and while Frankie is still in action at the racecourse, Enable has been retired to stud and has already produced two foals.
Riding Stradivarius to his third Ascot/Goodwood Cup success (2020)
Another horse with whom Frankie Dettori had a spectacular relationship was 20-time winner Stradivarius.
Stradivarius first won the Group 1 Goodwood Cup in 2017 under Andrea Atzeni, but it was Frankie Dettori who steered the remarkable colt to win the Group 1 Ascot Cup and the Goodwood Cup one after the other for three years running; 2018, 2019 and 2020.
An outstanding racehorse, Stradivarius ran 35 times before being retired to stud and his partnership with Dettori was, arguably, part of what made him great. He has since been inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Horseracing Museum.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic Aboard Raven’s Pass (2008)
Frankie Dettori has enjoyed immense success in Europe, but he’s also made a mark on the global stage. In 2008, he achieved a career-defining moment when he guided Raven’s Pass to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, held at Santa Anita Park in the United States.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is one of the most prestigious and valuable races in North America, and Dettori’s triumph in this event marked a significant milestone in his career.
It was the first and only time that Dettori had ridden Raven’s Pass in a race, as he was retired to stud shortly after his Breeders’ Cup Classic success.
Longines World’s Best Jockey
In addition to individual race victories, Frankie Dettori’s consistent excellence has been recognized at the highest level. He has been awarded the title of the Longines World’s Best Jockey on four occasions, in 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
The award takes into account his performances in Group and Grade 1 races across the world, so to have won it four times – more than any other jockey – is a truly outstanding achievement.
