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Magnificent heaven for Dettori
- Updated: September 26, 2016
Every once in a while, racing produces a moment of such significance that it not only captures the attentions of those writing the headlines but reaches beyond the parameters of the sport.
Every once in a while, racing produces a moment of such significance that it not only captures the attentions of those writing the headlines but reaches beyond the parameters of the sport.
Twenty years ago Frankie Dettori conjured up one of those very flashpoints when he became the first jockey in Britain to ride seven winners at the same meeting during an unforgettable afternoon at Ascot on September 28, 1996.
Not only did the 25,095/1 seven-timer (at starting prices) send seismic shock waves throughout the betting industry – hitting it for a reported £40million – it propelled the Italian to the A-list status he enjoys today as arguably the sport’s most famous figure.
While the three-times champion, who is famous for his flying dismounts, can now reflect upon that career changing day with great fondness, his frame of mind entering the meeting was focused primarily on achieving victory aboard one horse in particular.
“I was concentrating on the QEII, ” said Dettori.
“That was the decider for the trainers’ championship. On paper, it looked a two-horse race between Mark Of Esteem and Bosra Sham who were the two Guineas winners.
“I thought my best ride was the first, Wall Street, and that maybe I had a chance on Lochangel in the conditions race. The rest I couldn’t see winning.
“The first one won and the rest is history.”
After teaming up with Saeed bin Suroor for victories with Wall Street then with Diffident, the battle of the two …
