- Frankie Dettori bows out of British racing with five rides on Champions Day
- The Italian says he has some ‘absolute weapons’ to ride at Ascot on Saturday
- Mail Sport’s Racing Editor Marcus Townend picks his favourite Dettori moments
Frankie Dettori and Ascot will forever be associated with the words ‘Magnificent Seven’, but what are the chances of a Famous Five?
The Italian says this will be his final day on a British racecourse and he has some ‘absolute weapons’ to ride, but will he get a dream send-off and give a bumper crowd a day to remember?
Mail Sport analyses his prospects of whether there will be flying dismounts — his trademark celebration for a big win — or something more low key.
1.15: Trawlerman
Odds : 10-1
This horse will always have a special place in Dettori’s affections after their remarkable success in the 2022 Ebor at York. The Italian’s ride that day was poetic. Trainer John Gosden has specifically prepared the gelding for this race, with low-key wins in the last month. He is facing a far better quality of opponent here, however, and will lack a little bit of class.
VERDICT: QUIETLY UNSADDLE
![Jockey Frankie Dettori bows out of British racing at Ascot before heading to the United States](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/20/21/76819027-0-image-a-11_1697832639412.jpg)
Jockey Frankie Dettori bows out of British racing at Ascot before heading to the United States
1.50: Kinross
Odds : 13-8
Wherever Kinross has raced in the last two years, Dettori has been there. He has only failed to ride the six-year-old in four of his last 18 starts, going back to May 2021. Together they have won a raft of big prizes — including this one 12 months ago, as the 3-1 favourite — and a huge run is expected. Kinross’s owner Marc Chan, Dettori’s long-time friend, has flown in from Hong Kong especially.
VERDICT: FLYING DISMOUNT
2.25: Free Wind
Odds : 3-1
Showed her well-being last week when breezing up Newmarket’s Warren Hill, just 13 days after running in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but her form has been erratic this season and it will take a masterful training performance from the Gosdens to get her back on song. Even that, though, might not be good enough when tackling a progressive rival such as Jackie Oh.
VERDICT: QUIETLY UNSADDLE
3.05: Chaldean
Odds : 11-1
Won the 2000 Guineas in May under Dettori but things have not gone to plan since, with a defeat at Royal Ascot and a lacklustre effort at Deauville. Has a mountain to climb.
VERDICT: QUIETLY UNSADDLE
![King of Steel could help give Dettori a heroic farewell at the storied jockey's favourite course](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/20/21/76819925-12655217-image-a-31_1697834322008.jpg)
King of Steel could help give Dettori a heroic farewell at the storied jockey’s favourite course
3.45: King Of Steel
Odds : 4-1
Snapped up to ride by owners Amo Racing for this assignment and got to know the colt in a workout two weeks ago. Dettori has ridden for trainer Roger Varian sporadically in recent years, but King Of Steel loves Ascot, will handle the soft ground and has a rider chasing a dream. In such a mood, Dettori can do magical things.
VERDICT: FLYING DISMOUNT