Frankie Dettori delights in Derby success
Frankie Dettori rode the 13-8 favourite Golden Horn to land the Investec Derby at Epsom today (Saturday, 6 June).
This was the Italian jockey’s second win in the Epsom Classic, coming eight years after his first victory in the world-famous race on Authorized.
The former champion jockey, at 44 the oldest rider in the race, gave the John Gosden-trained colt a masterful ride, pouncing from way back in the field to win with an explosive finish.
Frankie’s trademark flying dismount in the winner’s enclosure was met with a mighty roar from his legion of fans in the packed stands.
“I still can’t believe that I’ve won the Derby again – what a feeling!” said Frankie. “I did feel the pressure – I knew he was a good horse and it was up to me to mess it up.
“But once he found top gear he was off. The horse was magnificent.”
Trainer John Gosden was also responsible for the runner-up in the race, Jack Hobbs, ridden by William Buick.
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“He [Golden Horn] was quite keen early on but Frankie dropped him out beautifully,” he said. “The last thing I said to him was ride a cool race, and he rode a cool race. He waited and waited.”
Owner Anthony Oppenheimer, who also bred the Cape Cross colt, supplemented Golden Horn for the race on Monday at a cost of £75,000.
Storm The Stars finished third for trainer William Haggas and jockey Pat Cosgrave.
The race was watched by The Queen and The Duke Of Edinburgh, who made their annual visit to Epsom Downs for Investec Derby Day. Celebrities in attendance included actress Elizabeth Hurley, TV star Millie Mackintosh, Olympic gold medallists Denise Lewis and Sir Steve Redgrave and cricketers Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Eoin Morgan.
Don’t miss all the action from the Investec Derby Festival in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 11 June.
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Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.