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| Staff Writer |
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Frankie Dettori and his time in the saddle is coming to a close following his announcement that he will be retiring following this year’s Breeders Cup.
Having first been an apprentice for the great Luca Cumani he went on the be the first teenager since Lestor Pickett to ride 100 winners in one season.
It was from that point the world would learn the name and take notice of the competitive, vibrant and once-in-a-generation hoop that is Frankie Dettori.
Going on to conquer racetracks around the world and take the spoils in six separate continents there is not much the 52-year-old has done or won.
Dettori has been a frequent visitor and jockey in The Middle East and he could not speak higher of the venue.
“I’ve been going to Saudi for the last 30 years. I think this new track is the best dirt track in the world,” he said.
“It’s a beautiful layout and the sand is not as harsh as some of the American tracks. Turf horses can do really well on it and it brings the two categories closer together.
“The Saudi Cup is established as one of the main events in the racing calendar and I’m very much looking forward to it.”
The region has been a happy hunting ground and he is gearing up to ride in the world’s richest race, the $20 million Saudi Cup with last year’s runner-up, Country Grammer.
In a bumper weekend for Dettori, he will also partner Ebor hero Trawlerman in the $2.5 million Longines Red Sea Handicap as well as hope to take the spoils in the International Jockeys Challenge on the opening day of the meet, February 24.
In dedication to one of the greatest of all time, we take a look at the three major wins that he has had in Saudi.
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KING ABDULAZIZ CUP
Dettori has won this Group One twice, six years apart. In 2006 he rode Nashaatt to victory before returning in 2012 when he partnered with Estehqaaq. The second victory was impressive after being dealt up competition in the final 100m and one of the best in the business called upon his mount to hold out, taking the victory in great style.
THE CUSTODIAN OF THE HOLY TWO MOSQUES CUP
The internationally ranked qualifier for the Saudi Cup run over 2000 metres is now in its 55th year with a total of SAR 7 million up for grabs Dettori won the event in 2014 with Sir Jade by three and a half lengths.
In the first year of the Saudi Cup (2020) Dettori rode Dark Power home in the Gr.3 The STC 1351 Cup. Under the master hand of Dettori, the gelded son of Dark Angel was sat at third from the gates. On the final turn with 400m in sight, the ride was on with pace quickening devouring ground and coming over the top of the leader Mubtasim to win by a head on the line.
Already having taken these major wins and with it being his final year a swag of victories would be the perfect farewell for this legendary hoop, Frankie Dettori.