FRANKIE A BORN WINNER
Dettori joy despite reverse
FRANKIE DETTORI was still on a high despite being denied a treble at Ascot yesterday after losing a race in the stewards’ room.
The Italian was having his first rides since his awesome victory on Enable in Sunday’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly.
After success on Zwayyan in the Neptune Classified Stakes, Dettori swiftly completed a double riding Nobly Born in the Harrogate Water Handicap.
He looked set for a treble after Weekender finished a nose in front of Raheen House in the Noel Murless Stakes.
But the stewards’ found Dettori guilty of giving Raheen House, the mount of Jamie Spencer, a bump close home and reversed the placings.
Dettori took defeat in good humour as he came out of the stewards’ inquiry hugging Spencer. “That’s just one of those things,” said Dettori. “I’m still walking on air.
“I’ve watched it (the Arc) a million times and I will never get fed up with it.
“What a performance from a remarkable filly. I’ve enjoyed a break since that success.
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“I took an extra day off which allowed Rab (Havlin) to ride his first winner after his six-month ban at Lingfield on Thursday.
“I received so many congratulations when I went to the sales in Newmarket. I’m still on cloud nine.”
But the popular Italian admits it was a huge responsibility riding Enable, the odds-on favourite, in the world’s most demanding Flat race.
“She’s been favourite for the Arc since we won the King George at Ascot in July, so we had a lot of pressure,” said Dettori.
“Everybody came to see a great performance and they got a great performance.
“It was absolutely phenomenal. One of my greatest moments, without a doubt.”
Ryan Moore showed why he is regarded as the best in the world after his success on Shady McCoy in the Veolia Handicap at Ascot.
“It’s not often I’m in awe of a jockey, but to be drawn where he was drawn and finish where he finished,” said winning trainer Ian Williams. “I thought it was an exceptional performance by one of the best jockeys.”
“The horse was in great form and he could just turn out at York next Friday under a penalty.
“Ryan said he was well suited by the pace in the race and he enjoyed the ground.
“Hopefully, I will manage to get Ryan to ride – but I doubt it!”