3 minute read

Frankie Dettori sent the bookies scurrying for cover by riding the winner in the first four races, culminating in his Gold Cup winning ride on Stradivarius.

This was a 449/1 chance which unfolded in the following manner: in the opening G2 Duke of Norfolk Stakes over 1600m he rode A'Ali to victory for his good pal Simon Crisford.  In a field of 15 they had the edge over Ventura Rebel 16/1 and Dubai Station 14/1, with the rest of the more-fancied brigade at the wrong end of the field.

Then he was on Sangarius for Sir Michael Stoute in the Hampton Court G3 over 2000m.  They finished 2 ¼ lengths clear of favourite Fox Chairman with King Ottokar a neck away in third.  The Queen earned some cash when Eightsome Reel finished fourth and our other roughie Arthur Kitt ran sixth.

Win no. 3 came in the next race, the Ribblesdale for the 3yo fillies over 2400m, with Star Catcher, trained by John Gosden.  The finished ahead of the favourite Fleeting with Sparkle Roll third and Queen Power fourth.

Then came the icing on the cake with Stradivarius confirming his status as a woner-horse with his second consecutive win in the Gold Cup.  Didn't look like he was going to make it when he was getting blocked for a run in every direction but the gap came in time and Dettori steered him through up to set up a great finish for two legends of the turf – and a third when you include John Gosden.  Dee Ex Bee was up the front for most of the race and finished a length back in second with the Lloyd Williams-owner Master or Reality, 66/1, a nose away third.  Trained by Joseph O'Brien, one has to see this as a potential Melbourne Cup run, especially as last year's Melbourne Cup Cross Counter was the fourth home.

As a finale the last race trifecta went to Aidan O'Brien.