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Frankie Dettori banned for careless riding on the King's horse, but will continue his Ascot farewell
By Marcus Armytage, Racing Correspondent at Ascot
Of all the memories Frankie Dettori wanted to take from his final Royal Ascot, a nine-day racing ban for careless riding would have been the last thing on his mind.
Mr Ascot, might have had a good book of rides of the first day of this year’s Royal meeting but he was unable to add to his tally of 77 winners, having to settle for three seconds.
The ban is likely to rule him out of the Eclipse a fortnight on Saturday and the 52-year-old could not have too many complaints about his leaving present from the stewards. Riding the King’s horse, Saga, he caused the Australian jockey James McDonald to snatch up his mount as he sought get the perfect slot on the inside rail early in the Wolferton Stakes.
Ultimately, it was to no avail with Saga finishing unplaced and how frustrated Dettori will be were he to miss the Eclipse in which he was set to ride the favourite Emily Upjohn.
A constant in racing’s limelight for 35 years, racing will soon have to get used to him not being around, on a horse at least, but yesterday afforded a few others, most notably bubbly Hollie Doyle, to audition for some sort of role in the post-Dettori era.
On Tuesday, she became the most successful female jockey at the meeting, something she previously shared with the pathfinding Hayley Turner, when she steered, or did her best to, the wayward Bradsell to a length victory over Highfield Princess in the King’s Stand Stakes, her fourth Royal winner.
She herself had to survive a stewards’ inquiry after Bradsell, last year’s Coventry winner who was dropping back to five furlongs for the first time, carried Highfield Princess left-handed across the course.
Doyle and Bradsell’s trainer Archie Watson had narrowly missed out on causing a shock when 20-1 shot Army Ethos gave Aidan O’Brien’s 8-11 favourite River Tiber a run for his money in the Coventry but once victory was confirmed, the nervousness in the smiles of both jockey and trainer dissipated.
“It’s always heart-wrenching when you hear the klaxon going off,” said Doyle, who collected a four-day ban. “I’m not sure what more I could have done? I pulled my whip through as soon as I could and I was hanging off the side to try and keep him straight. He idled badly. He had a look at the exit which showed he had plenty up his sleeve.”
“I’m so lucky, I have to pinch myself. To win one on the first day. You come here with a good book of rides but play it down. Archie and I have had a lot of success. He’s been very loyal, you need someone behind you pushing you forward and a Group One is a great start. People might think a 20-1 second in the Coventry is a good start but if you’re a jockey it’s not good enough.”
After explaining that he supplemented Bradsell for the race because he had not stayed six furlongs at Haydock last time, Watson was fulsome in his praise of Doyle, a fixture in his Lambourn yard since she was just out of her claim and he had just started.
“She’s ridden 200 odd winners for me,” he said. “She’s been massive for my career and, I hope, vice versa.”
The closest Dettori came to victory was when the filly Inspiral got her head in front deep inside the final furlong of the Queen Anne Stakes. She had taken a while to get past Kevin Ryan’s 33-1 shot Temple Time and looked delivered to perfection. But sons of Frankel do not lie down in those situations and Temple Time fought back to win by a neck.
“It was a great run,” said Dettori. “I got him but he got me back.”
No one enjoyed the result more than veteran jockey Neil Callan, a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and is not afraid to offer an opinion about something, anything. He was not too bothered spoiling Dettori’s day. “He’s got about a dozen more favourites to ride this week,” he joked.
Of the super-powers it was business as normal for Aidan O’Brien and Coolmore. After River Tiber, Paddington went past Dettori’s mount Chaldean like he was stranded on platform one in the St James’s Palace Stakes to win by a comprehensive three and three quarter lengths and establish the superiority of the Irish Guineas over English. O’Brien is now the winning most trainer of all time at Royal Ascot with 83 winners.
A familiar name to jumps fans
Vauaban has cut his chops over jumps thus far in his career and to great effect. He’s a three-time Grade 1 winner over hurdles, including once at the Cheltenham Festival, and now transitions to the Flat off what looks a a very tempting mark.
Willie Mullins has given his assessment of the favourite’s chances ahead of this one. “Vauban has done well since Punchestown and I’m happy with him. I think there’s every chance he’ll improve as a Flat horse and I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on. It looks like a nice race for him.”
Copper Horse Handicap – analysis
Once again, it is very hard to get away from Willie Mullins & Ryan Moore who team up here with Vauban, a top-class hurdler who has his first start on the flat for Willie Mullins, having previously plied his trade in France. Given his Grade 1 form over hurdles, Vauban could prove considerably better than his flat rating of 101, and it is interesting that Mullins has mentioned the Melbourne Cup as a potential target. With a good draw in stall seven, Vauban looks poised to go very close for his powerful connections.
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A very competitive race
In truth this is a very deep race, with cases to be made for a whole host of runners. Buckaroo looks to hold the class edge over the field, but only just. Joseph O’Brien has seen his father pick up two winners on day one of the meeting and how he would love to pick one of his own. Second-favourite Francisco Clemente, also looks to have a huge chance after his excellent appearance at Goodwood last month.
A word on Saga from the trainer
Thady Gosden: “Saga was unlucky in the Britannia last year but it was a good run over nine furlongs last time and the step up to a mile and a quarter should suit him. He’s got a relaxed running style and I don’t think the trip should be a problem.”
A word from Alan Tyers at Ascot...The King’s horse, Saga, runs in the next race. Jill Scott, the former England Women’s Footballer, is presenting the trophy of the next race. Could this be one of the great celebrity pairings?
A royal winner?
I know we are all thinking about it but what chance do Saga and Frankie Dettori have in this one. Well considering he was favourite this morning, his drift out to 10/1 in the betting is of concern. The reality with this horse is that it depends entirely on whether he decides to show up or not. At best, he is a very good handicapper...at worst you’ll be watching him fall out the back of television. I’d love to offer a more analytical response but with Saga it really is that simple.
Wolferton Stakes – analysis
This race could be run at a strong tempo, with the potential to set up for a closer. One who could really appreciate such a setup is Poker Face, who can appreciate a drop in grade as well as a return to firmer going. A draw in stall 13 is not ideal but, if the pace proves strong, Poker Face could be dropped out by Jamie Spencer and ridden to finish strongly at a track that he should appreciate. Similar comments apply to Cadillac, who looked better than ever last time out and could enjoy a good run round from his draw in stall four.
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Bring On The Night tough to oppose
Willie Mullins has kept this fella on ice for a year since he finished second in this race to rival now rated 18lb higher in the weights. With that in mind he looks the most likely here but his odds have got very skinny and there’s better value elsewhere. Zinc White is the one I have fallen on. He looked very good at Chester last time, admittedly on softer ground, and runs for Ian Williams – a trainer who knows how to prepare horses for this race especially. He looks a decent each-way bet.
Words from the connections of the favourites
Willie Mullins, trainer of Bring On The Night: “This has always been the plan. He ran very well in the race last year when just touched off and we’ve trained him for it again. We’ve been very happy with the bits of work he has been doing over the last few weeks.”
James Fanshawe, trainer of Novel Legend: “He’s progressive but we would like some rain. We’ll play it by ear but he doesn’t want fast ground. He’ll like this trip but we’d like to see some rain.”
Richard Hughes, trainer of Calling The Wind: “He loves the track but I’d prefer some rain. Good ground is fine for him but he doesn’t want it very quick. He ran very well in the Chester Cup and we’re taking off another 3lb [through Billy Loughnane’s claim].”
Ascot Stakes – analysis
It is very hard to get away from the Willie Mullins & Ryan Moore combination that team up for Bring On The Night, who has not been sighted since finishing second to Coltrane in this race last year. Coltrane has since shot up some 18lb in the ratings and is currently vying for favouritism for Thursday’s Gold Cup. Off just a 4lb higher mark than last year’s race, Bring On The Night makes considerable appeal and could prove very hard to beat here. Of the remainder, Law Of The Sea looks to be peaking at just the right time for a stable that have taken 2 of the last 4 runnings of this race; he can go close
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Pre-race quotes on the big two
Andrew Balding, trainer of Chaldean: “I’ve been very happy with him since the Guineas and we’re hoping he’ll be there in the best form we can get him. I’d like to think all ground comes alike to him.
“He’s only raced on slow surfaces so far, apart from when it was on the quick side at York last season, but he’s a good-actioned horse and I can’t see it being a problem. You’re not going to find easy Group 1s but I think the opposition have him to beat and we’re looking forward to it.”
Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Paddington: “He’s progressing lovely and everything has gone well since the Irish Guineas.
“We were delighted with him there as it was obviously a big step up in class from anything he had contested previously and he coped with it.
“This has been the plan ever since and he’s done everything nicely at home. Everyone is very happy with him.”
A clash of Guineas winners up next
The St James’s Palace Stakes is up next and this is really all about the meeting between 2000 Guineas winner Chaldean and the winner of the Irish equivalent Paddington. At first glance, Chaldean has the form edge on his rival based on the strength of the two races but Paddington might just be that bit more unexposed. The other contenders, led by Isaac Shelby and Cicero’s Gift, have it all to prove.
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Places unchanged
It is official...Bradsell wins the the King’s Stand Stakes. Delight for Archie Watson after he was denied a win in the Commonwealth Cup with Dragon Symbol after a stewards’ enquiry in 2021.
What’s more, Hollie Doyle has become the first woman to win a Group 1 at Royal Ascot.
Selection time...
It has to be Highfield Princess for me here. She is miles clear of the rest of this lot on form and last season racked up a succession of Group 1 strikes in the Prix Maurice de Gheest, Nunthorpe Stakes and Flying Five Stakes on ground ranging from soft to good to firm. Sprints can be tricky affairs but she looks a very strong favourite here.
A word on the market principles
John Quinn, trainer of Highfield Princess: “We’ve been happy with her since York, she’ll strip fitter tomorrow and we’re happy the way she’s trained.
“It’s wonderful to have her and you hope that, when you get a good one, another Group 1 can come along. It’s great for any yard and we were delighted when John Fairley decided to keep her in training this year. It was vindicated when she ran so well at York. Let’s hope she’ll run well, I’m sure she will.”
Ciaron Maher, joint-trainer of Coolangatta: “We had a look at the track this morning and there’s a fair bit of give in it,” said Maher. “I think she’s better on top of the ground, but it looks in good order. The horse is in good order too. She hasn’t missed a beat since arriving and I’m very happy with her.
“The American horse [Twilight Gleaming] is drawn near us, and she’ll have a lot of speed, so that’s not too bad.
King's Stand Stakes – analysis
This race is one with a real international flavour. Highfield Princess will fly the flag for Britain, having emerged as a top-notch performer over five furlongs of late. Dramatised won the Queen Mary here last year for Karl Burke, while Bradsell, last year’s Coventry winner, should go well for Archie Watson and Hollie Doyle. Further afield there is plenty of excitement around Coolangatta, the top sprinter from Australia.
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RIVER TIBER LIVES UP TO THE HYPE!
The field split off into two groups with Fandom prominent in the group closer to the grandstand.
But it is River Tiber and Givemethebeatboys on the far side who find themselves in a battle for supremacy over the final furlong, and the favourite River Tiber gets his head down to hold off a stiff challenge.
Army Ethos ran a big race down the middle of the track and was not far away.
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What a result that was
A huge result for jockey Neil Callan, trainer Kevin Ryan and the bookmakers. Getting Dettori beaten this early in the week with an outsider is a huge result for the layers.
“That was not a surprise to us,” says Ryan.
A word on the two market leaders
Charlie Appleby, trainer of Modern Games: “We’ve been delighted with Modern Games’s preparation,” said Appleby. “It was great to get a Group 1 win in Britain under his belt in the Lockinge and, provided there is not a deluge of rain, he looks the one to beat again.”
Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Inspiral: “She went to the July course for a piece of work last week and has been pleasing us at home. Similarly to last year it’s her first start of the season, albeit last year she was against her own age and sex, whereas she’s against the best milers of all ages and both sexes in Europe this time.
“Like lots of fillies in the spring, they can sometimes take their time to come to themselves and it was quite a wet spring, but the weather has changed to the other extreme in the last few weeks and that’s helped a lot of them along.”
Queen Anne Stakes – analysis
An open race to raise the curtain of this year’s Royal Meeting. Modern Games is an incredibly solid Group 1 colt, having won at the highest level on five occasions in three continents; moreover, he has missed the frame just twice in his 15 race career. He sets the standard here and can go very close once again but, if there is one with the brilliance to eclipse him, it looks to be the reappearing Inspiral in receipt of 5lbs. She is a three-time Group 1 winning filly who can get Frankie Dettori backers off to a flying start.
Frankie Dettori's betting odds
Find all of Frankie Dettori’s betting odds here as the Italian returns for his final Royal Ascot. Will he kick things off with a win with Inspiral in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes?
Words from the course
Alan Tyers, at Ascot
There was some rain earlier today and experts are divided as to the impact on that on the going, and on the chances of some runners. Muggy and overcast at the moment, ideal conditions for swing bowling, but the stiff breeze that got up a few minutes ago put several hats in peril of an unwanted gallop for freedom.
The following carriages
The Princess Royal is in the second carriage alongside Queen Camilla’s sister, Annabel Elliot, as well as Sir Ben Elliot and Lady Elliot.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are in the third carriage with Lord and Lady Bamford. While the final carriage in today’s processions carries trainers Willie Mullins and Ralph Beckett along with their respective wives Jackie and Isabelle.
Chances of a royal winner?
This meeting has always been synonymous with the Royal Family and by proxy the horses owned, previously by the late Queen Elizabeth II, and now King Charles .
The King and Queen Camilla have eight horses entered over the five-day meeting, all of which will carry the famous purple and red silks.
Today the only chance on seeing the purple and red silks cross the line first is Saga, who holds a solid chance Wolferton Stakes (5.35). That would be a popular winner for sure with Frankie in the saddle.
The royal arrival
Five days of superb action await but for many this meeting is so much more than that. For some it is a symphony of summer fashion; for others it represents arguably the most quintessential of British events – owing in large part to its eponymous royal influence.
Indeed, this week, being the first meeting since the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II, will take on even greater significance. The King will attend every day of the meeting, mirroring the devotion his mother showed to Royal Ascot throughout her reign.
The Royal Procession – the traditional curtain raiser on each day of the meeting – will begin at 2pm, with the first race of the day due off at 2.30pm.
Ease in going
Heavy rain at Ascot last night has seen the going ease across the racecourse this morning. In the region of 10mm of rain fell at the Berkshire course in the early hours meaning the going is now good on the straight course and good, good to soft in places on the round course.
Speaking this morning, clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: “We anticipate an ease in the going but it is too early to say what it will be before the rain we’ve had has properly soaked in.
“We had 10mm, or just under, and most of that came in the heavy shower this morning, which came just after we originally walked the track. We’ll let that rain settle in and the ground will be reassessed by midday at the latest.”
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Welcome to Royal Ascot
By Marcus Armytage
As one era starts at Royal Ascot this week so another one draws to a close and what King Charles III makes of what was his mother’s favourite meeting is likely to be just as big a talking point as how Frankie Dettori fares at a meeting he will grace as a jockey for the last time before hanging up his boots.
At several stages this week their paths will cross not least of all when Dettori rides Saga for the King and Queen in today’s Wolferton Stakes and tomorrow when he teams up with Reach For The Moon in the Royal Hunt Cup. The sport of kings would not begrudge them a post-race meeting in the winner’s enclosure after one of those races.
Since the prescient Queen Anne was riding through Windsor forest, saw a clearing and thought it would be a good place to race horses in 1711, a succession of both monarchs and jockeys have come and gone but few were as enthusiastic about it as the late Queen Elizabeth II after whom Saturday’s Jubilee Stakes - it previously changed every time she had a different jubilee - has now been named.
Of course since the inaugural Gold Cup in 1807, Ascot has become as much a social occasion as a race meeting. It is, of course, the time of year Beau Brummell gets his annual mention in dispatches for his cravats and pantaloons which set off the tradition of top hats and tails and the Royal Enclosure.
The royalty, the social, the fashion and the sport is now intertwined to form the Royal Ascot brand and none would be the same, as was proved during the Covid years of 2020 and 2021, without the other.
Above all though it is a shop window for British racing which now has to rely on its traditions and prestige rather than just the hard cash it can offer its winners. But while it may not be as financially alluring as what is on offer in Australia, Japan, America or the vast array of Middle Eastern riches up for international grabs these days, with £9.52m on offer across 35 races with none worth less than £100,000, it is the best we have on offer.
Add in the royalty and stature of the meeting and it has pretty good pulling power and, outside of Europe, has drawn horses from Australia, America and Hong Kong.