ASCOT: Royal Ascot lived up to its name on Thursday as King Charles III enjoyed his first winner at the meeting and the monarch of the track, Frankie Dettori, won his ninth Ascot Gold Cup in his final ride in the historic race.
Dettori punched the air as he recorded his 79th victory at the meeting on Courage Mon Ami where he had his first on Markofdistinction in 1990.
The 52-year-old described the win as “unbelievable” before the irrepressible Italian broke protocol by kissing Queen Camilla—he had also kissed his manager Peter Burrell on the lips on the way back to the winner’s enclosure—as she and Charles presented the trophies.
Dettori, who is enjoying a successful final year in the saddle having won the English 2000 Guineas and Oaks, then threw the trophy up in the air and fortunately caught it.
Winning trainer John Gosden, who shares the duties with son Thady, praised Dettori for a “great ride”.
Gosden was beaming, in contrast to his gloomy expression after Dettori gave the great stayer Stradivarius a much-criticised ride in last year’s Gold Cup—as a result trainer and jockey split for a short time.
“That crowns Frankie’s week now,” said Gosden.
