Joy for Sheikh Mohammed, heartbreak for Dettori

ASCOT, United Kingdom, June 20, (AFP): Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin al-Maktoum celebrated a treble on the first day of Royal Ascot, including two Group Ones, 40 years to the day since he had his first winner in England.

Whilst Sheikh Mohammed and his Godolphin Operation had a welcome day in the sun after a woeful period which ended with chief executive John Ferguson stepping down amid scathing criticism by trainer Saeed bin Suroor, Godolphin’s former golden jockey Frankie Dettori had a day to forget.

The 46-year-old Italian was forced to admit defeat in his battle to recover from an arm injury and then watched as crack American filly Lady Aurelia stormed home to take the Group One King’s Stand Stakes.

The racing had got underway once a minute’s silence was observed -- with Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family standing in the parade ring -- in honour of the memories of the victims of the London tower block fire last week and the terror attacks that have struck England in recent months.

Sheikh Mohammed’s joy was unconfined as Ribchester broke the course record for a mile in the opening Queen Anne Stakes. Lady Aurelia ridden by jockey John Velazquez on his way to winning the King’s Stand Stakes during day one of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse Ascot England Tuesday June

20. (AP)