Frankie Dettori steals the spotlight at Royal Ascot with Gregory
Frankie Dettori once again stole the spotlight at Royal Ascot, marking the beginning of his final week at the prestigious event with a sensational victory aboard Gregory in the Group 2 Queen’s Vase over the 2847m.
Having declared that 2023 would be his last year in the saddle, the 52-year-old jockey had consistently captivated audiences at the summer extravaganza throughout his illustrious career.
However, the opening day proved to be a mix of disappointment and frustration for the seasoned rider. Not only did he narrowly miss out on victory in three races, but he also faced a setback as he received a nine-day suspension for careless riding.
Nevertheless, the thoroughbred betting sites heavily favoured Gregory, the dual winner trained by John and Thady Gosden, making him the +100 favourite on the second day.
With expectations high, Dettori delivered a masterful performance, exhibiting flawless judgment and leaving the packed grandstands in awe.
For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though Saint George might overtake Gregory in the closing stages. But the son of Golden Horn responded gallantly to the challenge, mustering extra energy and ultimately crossing the finish line with a commanding one-and-a-half-length lead. This victory secured Dettori his 78th triumph at Royal Ascot, a remarkable achievement.
2023 Group 2 Queen’s Vase Replay – Gregory
“I almost thought this win would elude me this year. After finishing second in three races yesterday, I knew this race presented my best chance,” Dettori candidly admitted to ITV Racing.
“Leading the pack for a long stretch, when Oisin Murphy came close to overtaking me, I couldn’t help but think, ‘Not second place again!’ But this horse exhibited tremendous determination and gave it his all. It’s truly fantastic to claim a victory in my last Royal Ascot.”
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He went on to express his delight at the overwhelming reception he received, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of his final season. “I’m both sad and happy. I still have three more days to go, but at least I have one win under my belt. The support and cheers from the crowd were incredible, considering it’s my farewell season. I couldn’t be more grateful.”
John Gosden, the senior trainer, praised the remarkable performance of Gregory, an untested contender who now emerges as the favourite for the St Leger. “It was a dominant display. Gregory broke well, and Frankie secured a favourable position, allowing him to control the pace. Even when the second-place horse made a move, Gregory surged forward again,” Gosden shared.
“He’s a top-class horse, and our sights are set on the St Leger. I had already informed the owners of our intentions. If everything goes smoothly, he might even become a Cup contender next season.”
Gosden concluded with confidence, “Before the Leger, Gregory will need to participate in one of the trials. Given that I trained both his sire, Golden Horn, and his dam, Gretchen, I am intimately familiar with his pedigree. This victory is an exceptional start for the owners, Wathnan Racing, who are new to our yard and celebrating only their second runner at Royal Ascot.”
All in all, Frankie Dettori’s electrifying win aboard Gregory set the stage for an unforgettable final week at Royal Ascot, leaving racing enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the remaining days of the legendary jockey’s remarkable career.