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Are you really privy to the profusion of talents that Frankie Dettori exemplifies? Beyond his fame from “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here,” he’s been a powerhouse in horse racing since stepping into the realm as a 14-year-old from Milan. His impact on the sport in the UK has been immense. Throughout his career, Dettori claimed the British flat racing champion jockey title three times, clinched 3,345 victories, including 23 classics, and famously won all seven races on an Ascot card in 1996.

And the paradigm altering saga continues—breaking records from his maiden Royal Ascot to leaving a blissful trail of victories in 2020. The question remains: are we legitimately aware of the full magnitude of Frankie Dettori’s impact?

Maiden Royal Ascot Win (1990 Queen Anne Stakes)

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The Queen Anne Stakes, held at Ascot Racecourse in Great Britain, is a distinguished Group 1 flat horse race open to horses aged four years and older. Covering a distance of 1 mile (1,609 meters), it stands as one of the highlights of the Royal Ascot meeting, kicking off the event’s opening day in June.

Frankie Dettori’s connection to the Queen Anne Stakes is deeply ingrained through his exceptional achievements. His first win in the race occurred in 1990 aboard Markofdistinction when he was just 19 years old. This victory marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Dettori, establishing his reputation as an immensely talented and strategic jockey.

Breaking race records (2007 Queen Anne Stakes)

In 2007, the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot became a pivotal moment for Frankie Dettori, coinciding with an Italian champion horse’s record-breaking win. Ramonti, previously a Group One winner in Italy, joined the Godolphin stables just before the prestigious event. Despite the spotlight on the favoured George Washington from Ballydoyle, Dettori guided Ramonti to take the lead. As the race intensified, a challenge from Jeremy, ridden by Ryan Moore, seemed formidable.

Approaching the final stretch, Dettori and Ramonti surged forward, with George Washington making a late charge. In a thrilling four-horse finish, it was Ramonti adorned in Italy’s colours who triumphed, setting a race record time of 1.37.21. Dettori’s strategic guidance and flawless execution led to an unforgettable victory, etching both his and Ramonti’s names in the Ascot record books.

Proving the betting scene wrong (2011 Prince Of Wales Stakes)

Frankie Dettori, a regular favourite at Ascot, surprised spectators during the 2011 Prince of Wales’s Stakes when his mount, Rewilding, at odds of 17-2, dashed past the highly favoured So You Think in the final stretch, securing a close victory. However, Dettori’s exuberant use of the whip on Rewilding, resulting in a nine-day ban from Ascot stewards, overshadowed the win.

Despite the ban, Rewilding’s triumph, owned by Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin, marked a notable moment against the dominance of John Magnier’s Coolmore Stud and acknowledged Dettori’s lengthy association with Godolphin. Plans for Rewilding’s return to Ascot contrast with uncertainties around So You Think’s future races, possibly targeting the International Stakes at York in August, underscoring a dramatic turn in the betting scene and the repercussions for Dettori in the heat of this high-stakes race.

Frankie Dettori stunning everybody (2019 Queen Mary Stakes)

Frankie Dettori’s brilliance in 2019 stole the show at the Royal Ascot. But with a record like Lester Piggott’s, Dettori’s 75-1 double featuring Raffle Prize in the Queen Mary Stakes and Crystal Ocean for his maiden Group One win in the Prince of Wales ‘Stakes showed that he ultimately had this class mastered. But Dettori’s riding strategy, coupled with Crystal Ocean’s stamina in the rain, is a clear manifestation of his superior skill. Daniel Tudhope and Ryan Moore rode brilliantly, but it was Dettori’s standout performances that left everyone surprised. He proved his status as a high-class jockey at one of the years ‘most special racing occasions.

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Battle to the finish (2020 Ascot Gold Cup)

At the 2020 Ascot Gold Cup, Frankie Dettori’s stirring ride on Stradivarius eclipsed everything else. Although there were no top hats, the thrilling race occurred in heavy rain and amidst Stradivarius’ pre-race jitters. Known for his showmanship, Dettori deftly steered Stradivarius to its third Gold Cup win and created a tumultuous atmosphere.

Read More: Frankie Dettori Announces ‘Really Proud Moment’ As BBC Honors Him Among Six Distinguished Contenders in Recent Post

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While Dettori’s brilliant ride stood out, the day also showcased talents like Jim Crowley and Hayley Turner, with Turner securing her second Sandringham Stakes triumph. Turner’s feat echoed the historic significance of Gay Kelleway’s win in 1987, highlighting the rising prominence of female jockeys. The fervour in betting activity, similar to the previous year’s figures, reflected heightened enthusiasm among spectators starved of sports action. The day’s excitement left a sense of anticipation for the upcoming fixtures, promising a thrilling conclusion to the Royal Ascot event.

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