Frankie is crowned Ascot king

FRANKIE DETTORI enjoyed “a week beyond my wildest dreams” after being crowned Royal Ascot’s top jockey for the sixth time.

The Italian went into yesterday’s final day with a 7-5 lead over Ryan Moore, thanks in large part to a fabulous 449-1 four-timer on Thursday that included Stradivarius’ Gold Cup win.

“It’s been a week beyond my wildest dreams,” said the 48-year-old, whose tally of seven wins equalled his previous best in 1998.

“Thursday was incredible. If you’d told me in the morning that I’d complete a four-timer on Stradivarius in the Gold Cup, I’d have laughed at you.”

Dettori had no hesitation in nominating Stradivarius’ Gold Cup win – the horse’s second in as many years and his third consecutive success at Royal Ascot – as his highlight of the five days.

“Ladies’ Day will live in my memory forever,” added Dettori, who made history with his 25,095-1 Magnificent Seven at the royal racecourse in 1996. EGAN BERNAL survived a battle of nerves to emerge from a penultimate day timetrial with a firm grip on the Tour de Suisse yellow jersey.

Bernal (right) is well placed to win in Switzerland when today’s final stage is over his favoured mountain terrain.

The Colombian heads JOSH HODGE inspired England to a 45-26 win over Wales in the fifthsixth place final at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship yesterday.

Hodge’s 18-point haul was enough to help England beat their rivals in Argentina.

The rookie winger (above) crossed for one of England’s six tries, DEFENDING World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea managed to claw back a handful of points in the championship chase after a win in Rimini.

Rea (right) beat former team-mate Tom Sykes by 3.692secs as the Italian track was hammered by heavy rain and lightning, which delayed the start into the 144km final day with a 22-second cushion as leader of the Ineos team.

“We still have the jersey and we’ll fight all the way,” said Bernal, who has emerged as a potential Tour de France rival to Geraint Thomas.

Yesterday’s time trial around Goms was won by Belgian Yves Lampaert. with Will Capon, Joe Heyes, Fraser Dingwall, Ted Hill and a penalty try sealing the result.

The Dragons, who trailed 28-0 at halftime, improved after the break with Jac Morgan, Dewi Lake, Ed Scragg and Rio Dyer all touching down.

But it proved no more than a consolation as England ran out worthy winners. and caused a stoppage early on as the weather deteriorated further.

Rea said: “I’m super happy because these have been difficult conditions for everyone.”

Sykes claimed his first podium for the BMW Motorrad team with second ahead of championship leader Alvaro Bautista, who was third in his least favourite conditions.