Frankie Dettori's mixed emotions at landmark win as his retirement gets closer

07 October 2023 , 17:18

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Frankie Dettori wore the Cheveley Park Stud silks (pictured) when winning on Inspiral (Image: Getty Images)

Frankie Dettori continued his countdown to retirement by celebrating a 500th winner at Newmarket.

The result never looked in doubt for Flat racing's legendary jockey, riding 10-11 favourite Inspiral at his local track. Dettori stalked the pacesetters in the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes and made his move with three furlongs to race.

From then on the rest were playing catch-up, as John and Thady Gosden's trainee quickened clear. The three-and-three quarter rout gave Dettori, crossing the line in splendid isolation, chance to salute the crowd.

After 35 years thrilling the sport's fans, the 52-year-old has just two weeks left before he competes on home soil for the final time.

"I couldn't have written a better ending," said Dettori, signing off at Ascot before he takes his farewell tour overseas.

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"When I got to 499 last week, I knew I had Inspiral to look forward to. I was nervous, sad, emotional but at least I've got it done now. I've got two weeks left and it's getting close."

Inspiral is one of Dettori's possible rides at the Breeders Cup, but trainer John Gosden will bide his time before committing her to Santa Anita.

"We won’t make a decision for at least a week or two," he said. "Where there are big races, Frankie will pop up. He is an absolute icon."

At Ascot, Al Qareem dug deep to rally past Israr in the Jim Barry Cumberland Lodge Stakes. The 100-30 shot looked set for second place when his rival swept by, but Clifford Lee's horse was in no mood for defeat.

"He has two options and one is the St Simon Stakes at Newbury on October 28,” said part-owner Nick Bradley.

"Otherwise we go for the Group One Prix Royal-Oak which is nearly two miles at Longchamp."

A photo finish decided the outcome of the £180,000 Howden Challenge Cup. And it delighted 18-year-old Harry Davies, whose mount Atrium (25-1) was just ahead of 10-1 chance Popmaster.

Melissa Jones