Bedlam on QIPCO Champions Day, fomented by the only true champion on view but one who hasn’t held the jockey’s title since 2004 and never (never say never about Frankie Dettori!) will again.
Defining what is or isn’t a ‘champions day’ is problematical. Big Rock’s astounding victory in the Queen Elizabeth II had shades of Frankel but the French colt back home was no match for the uncontested, world-class, Ace Impact too valuable to be risked at Ascot and retired to stud.
The whole concept of Champions Day depended on Frankie (like Lester, there’s only one Frankie) performing. When he is no longer around – which may or may not be next year - those who find the whole shebang a dubious distraction may want to resurrect another ‘FD’.
Fred Dibnah (he died in 2006) was a steeplejack with a Bolton accent straight out of Coronation Street and playing on it Fred found television fame in the 1970s and 80s blowing up redundant Industrial Revolution chimneys and dark, derelict ‘satanic’ mills. Anything more modernistic than Bolton Town Hall (1860) was fair game for demolition: the Ascot Grandstand itself might have trembled had he, greasy overalls and oily flat cap, cast his baleful eye and impudent grin over the edifice.
But the roof nearly came off of its own accord when Frankie steered home his ‘last ride’, King of Steel. The Ascot faithful belted out “There’s only one Frankie Dettori” as raucously as the Old Trafford faithful ever did for Eric Cantona. As was the wont of the irresistible Frenchman, the irreplaceable Italian blew a gale of kisses to rapturous fans - but were they those of a departing lover promising to return?
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters
Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters. I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
AUDIENCE IS ERUPTING
John Anthony reveals the latest top speedsters after another Glorious Goodwood
HORSE OF A LIFETIME
Graham Buddry pays fresh tribute to track legend Sea The Stars - surely one of the greatest ever
IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered
PLAYING TO THE WHISTLE
lan Heitman flies about to keep pace with a rush of two-year-old Flat action
WINNING JOY ON A BUDGET
Richard Eagle takes a trip to Windsor to check out peoples' route into the port of kings
GIFT HORSES AND FRENCH LESSONS
Robert Cooper finds 'retirement' is keeping him busy
FEUD GETS THE PARTY ROLLING
Karl Hedley savours the Galway Festival action and picks out the summer highlights at Ballybrit
ROCKING THE MONEY BAGS
Simon Nott reveals his recent experiences from trips to Brighton and Ascot
FLYING EVE'S BORN TO WIN
Nick Townsend talks to in-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton