It began with a hare and will end with a king. And should it prove a crowning glory it would be the sort of fairytale with which Frankie Dettori has become synonymous.
Aptly at the Ascot Racecourse where he sealed that magnificent seven 26 years ago, Saturday will supposedly be Frankie’s last hurrah on British soil.
Winner one was Lizzy Hare back in 1987 and he will hope to conjure up one more on board Derby runner-up King of Steel in the QIPCO Champion Stakes.
The horse’s trainer Roger Varian earned his first Group 1 winner from a Dettori ride on board Nahrain back in 2011.
Of the possibility of Dettori giving him another and going out on a high, Varian said: “It would be a very Frankie outcome. It would be great to be caught up in that and involved in that.
“He’s got a chance. We’re all too familiar with the competitive nature of our sport. He’s got a chance and a few others will be trying to spoil the party.”
Those capable of ruining the party are long-time favourite Horizon Dore, Bay Bridge and Mostahdaf.
Ascot was supposed to be the final farewell for the 52-year-old, who performed a U-turn earlier this month to announce he would be relocating to California to ride there, but adamant this is his final ride at a UK racecourse.
Of Dettori’s future, Varian said: “The fact that he’s signing off or almost singing off adds an element. Will it be his last ride at Ascot? That’s part of the story.
“I think will be the end of Frankie being a regular on our racecourse. We’re not going to see him week in, week out over here like we’re used to. I think he’s signing off on that regular beat in the UK, not quite retiring. Who knows where Frankie’s journey will take him in the next year or two?
“He’s a superstar in his own right. He’s got a huge personality and to a degree he’s a showman but he’s absolutely professional when it comes to riding horses. We’ve got a good man on board and I’m sure Frankie will be on his game. I don’t think it changes anything for us or Frankie in the race.”
In the Derby, a frontrunning King of Steel was pipped to the line by half a length by Auguste Rodin, a second runners-up spot for Varian in the prestigious race. Looking back, there is an element of the what if but also a positivity for future races.
“I don’t think you can get caught up in the what ifs for too long,” he said. “You can eat yourself up in what ifs in this game. The only option is to take the positives… it’s a great horse who didn’t win the Derby but nearly did.”
There is a change of personnel in the saddle with Kevin Stott replaced for Frankie’s last stand. Few would argue or maybe even bet against a winning end to 36 years of racing for the Milanese.
QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday is live on ITV1 from 1pm. For more info go to britishchampionsday.com
