Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Dettori: Queen was an incredible lady
You could almost burst with pride when riding a winner for her, says top jockey
FRANKIE Dettori believes horse racing has “lost its greatest friend” as he paid a heartfelt tribute to the Queen, who died on Thursday at the age of 96.
The three-time champion jockey praised Her Majesty’s dedication to racing and to a life of service, highlighting her depth of knowledge.
The monarch’s passion for horse racing brought her five Classics and 24 Royal Ascot winners during 70 years as an owner and a breeder.
Dettori had a long association with the Queen’s famous silks, with his greatest success coming aboard Phantom Gold in the Ribblesdale Stakes at the Royal meeting in 1995.
“It was undoubtedly one of my career highlights – it was such a great occasion and it was always a privilege to ride for Her Majesty,” Dettori told the PA news agency.
“She was an incredible lady. I have been riding for the Queen for the last 30 years. She was such a special person and she had a great sense of humour. Her knowledge of racing was incredible and her dedication to her horses was plain for everyone to see. She loved her horses and loved the breeding side of things, seeing them develop and race, and then breed from them. She knew the families inside out.”
Dettori, whose own career in the saddle has spanned five decades, rode over 50 winners for the Queen.
He added: “It was always a special feeling to put on those silks.
“Though I am an Italian, I’ve lived in Newmarket for over 35 years – I’m part of the furniture – and always felt a huge sense of responsibility and pride riding for Her Majesty.
“Whenever you rode a winner for