Frankie Gets 50 Royal Ascot Winners

Frankie Dettori, 44, rode his 50th Royal Ascot winner when taking the Sandringham Handicap on Osaila, who is owned by Sheikh Joaan's Al Shaqab Racing.

Frankie Dettori gets 50 Royal Ascot wins atop Osaila Picture: Racing and Sports

In classic Dettori style, the moment was celebrated with a leap from the saddle, followed by fulsome celebrations and gesticulations to the cameras. At the trophy presentation he did not miss out on a chance to give former athlete Denise Lewis a well-rehearsed hug, and as cheers rang out from the grandstand he shouted, "You're just jealous!"

He said at a post-race interview: "Fifty is a big number - it's not my age by the way! It's the number of winners I've ridden at Royal Ascot. It's huge and great satisfaction.

"I was getting a bit worried towards the end of the day because I'd had some good rides and people were wishing me luck - I've got memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

"It's great to do it for the boss [Sheikh Joaan], and he's here which is wonderful. My filly Osaila was so brave, and she must have a big head, because I thought she got beat (she had won by just a nose, the smallest possible margin).

"I have had some bad times but also some really good times, and this is one of them. I have been on a fantastic run and it is great to continue it here. I'm really enjoying my riding. I can't really explain it, it is just unbelievable, and I'm hoping I can ride number 51 tomorrow."

Ascot is Dettori's favourite racecourse, and one of his biggest moments as a jockey came when he won all seven races at the track on September 29, 1996


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