ENABLE STILL A MIGHTY MARE Historic treble for Frankie’s real love
IF YOU are going to make history, do it in style – and that is what Enable did yesterday when becoming the first horse to win the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes three times at Ascot.
Partnered by Frankie Dettori, it was a flawless performance, just like it had been in her two previous victories.
An emotional Dettori said: “I love her so much. She is my favourite girl.”
Sovereign scorched off in front but Dettori effortlessly reeled him in two furlongs from home.
Aware there was a further big danger in Japan, the only other runner, Dettori admitted he was stunned when he looked over his shoulder to see the colt floundering like a drunk on an all-night bender.
Enable’s victory made it a seventh victory in the race for Dettori, taking him level with Lester Piggott for most victories in the summer headliner.
Dettori said: “It’s amazing to do what Lester has done. He was my hero when I was growing up. I remember when the Queen gave me the trophy after one of my early wins in the race.
“I said it was my third or fourth win in the King George and she turned around and said Lester had won seven.
“She put me straight back in the box.”
Winning trainer John Gosden said: “The great thing is you can wear these face masks so no one can see the torture in your face, you are hidden.
“All they can see is your eyes and as long as you don’t start crying, they won’t see that you are wound up like a 10-day clock.”
The Yorkshire Oaks is Enable’s next target before she attempts to add another chapter to her historic career by winning a third Arc De Triomphe at Longchamp in October.
It might have been the smallest field in yesterday’s King George since it was first run in 1951 – when ironically it witnessed the biggest field of 19 – but there is no disputing Enable sealed her place in the pantheon of greats who have won the race by making history.