Dettori 'could feel the people getting behind me' during Ascot streak

Edited Press Release
Photo: Courtesy of Royal Ascot

Frankie Dettori has been reflecting on the four-timer he achieved Thursday at Royal Ascot, including a victory above Stradivarius in the Gold Cup (G1).
Interviewed on Sky Sports Racing, the jockey compared it to his Magnificent Seven straight wins achieved 23 years ago at Ascot, but at the September meeting.

"I started off in the first race for a good friend of mine in (trainer) Simon Crisford aboard A'Ali," Dettori said of the Norfolk Stakes (G2). "It was very emotional and I was so pleased for him.

"Then I knew I had a chance in the second race aboard Sangarius," the Hampton Court Stakes (G3) winner. "I had a good pitch and had a good run through.

"I expected Star Catcher," the Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) winner, "to run well and when she won. I was just hoping that I hadn't used all my luck up.

"At that point I was in a good place and I could feel the adrenaline pumping. I could feel the people getting behind me and everybody wanted Stradivarius to win. It was magical.

"I can't lie: I was nervous before the race, but the Gold Cup went to plan. I had a good spot and looking at the replay I know why people were worried, but I thought I was fine as I knew everything that was going on.

"When I crossed the line, everyone went mad. It was great. I haven't experienced anything like it at Royal Ascot. We got over 66,000 people here yesterday and a lot of them won't know much about racing, but they got to experience something really special.

"To see a gutsy  performance from Stradivarius is good for the sport and I was so pleased to be a part of it."

Dettori joked that he had "forgot about" the Magnificent Seven achieved in 1996. According to Royal Ascot's media services, his four-race parlay was valued Thursday at 449-1.

"Yesterday was so special, and I could feel everything. After the Magnificent Seven, this is my second biggest day. I cannot put it into words.

"My knees are all right, though the ankles were a bit sore this morning, I needed to jump in the cold bath last night. I spoke to my dad and typical Dad, he said I should have won the fifth race [aboard Turgenev in the Britannia Handicap]. One mistake out of six is not bad."

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