Frankie Dettori partnered thousands of winners over the years and much argument can be had about his finest performances in the saddle. We look at 12 of his most memorable victories:
Markofdistinction, Queen Elizabeth II, Ascot, 1990
Dettori’s first winner at the highest level was aptly trained by his mentor, Luca Cumani. The rider produced his mount two furlongs out after settling in behind early on and hit the front with a furlong still to run. He hung a bit in the finish, but Dettori proved strong enough in the plate to hold on and claim the victory.
Lochsong, Prix de l’Abbaye, Longchamp, 1994
Always a headstrong individual, Lochsong knew no other way of running than blasting out of the stalls and trying to make all – a quality which suited Dettori’s excellent front-running skills. With something to prove after finishing last in the Nunthorpe at York, Dettori let his mount rocket to the front and he never saw another horse as she strolled home by five lengths.
Barathea, Breeders’ Cup Mile, Churchill Downs, 1994.
Hardly the most obvious of challengers after a largely indifferent season, Dettori also started from stall one aboard the Cumani-trained colt. However, he made the direct route pay as tracked the leaders hard against the rail before switching to the outside and galvanising Sheikh Mohammed’s Barathea to a clear-cut victory over Johann Quatz.
Fujiyama Crest, Gordon Carter Handicap, Ascot, 1996
The horse that sealed Dettori’s superstar status and propelled him beyond the confines of the racing world. Fujiyama Crest gave his all under the Italian, making every yard of the running before clinging on by a neck to seal the rider’s ‘Magnificent Seven’. Dettori never forgot the gelding’s contribution to his legend and when his racing days were over, he bought Fujiyama Crest to see out his days in a paddock at his home.
Dubai Millennium, Dubai World Cup, Nad Al Sheba, 2000
Orginally named Yaazer, Sheikh Mohammed renamed the Seeking The Gold colt Dubai Millennium when his potential became clear. The 2000 Dubai World Cup was his ultimate target from the moment he took on his new moniker and the colt fulfilled his destiny when Dettori took him to the front after just a furlong and he powered home by six lengths, to rapturous cheers from the crowd.
Fantastic Light, Irish Champion Stakes, Leopardstown, 2001
A rematch of Fantastic Light’s King George battle with Galileo ended in a thrilling finish up the straight. The pair raced stride for stride throughout before they knuckled down to slug it out in the final furlong, with Galileo looking certain to edge it only for Fantastic Light to respond to the Dettori drive and claim the prize.
Scorpion, St Leger, Doncaster, 2005
Dettori’s decision to partner the Coolmore-owned favourite proved controversial, with the Italian apologising to Sheikh Mohammed for taking the rival ride in the aftermath. In atrocious conditions, the 10-11 shot made all, with Dettori having to survive a slight scare as Scorpion jinked into the rail inside the final furlong, but nevertheless running out a decisive victor.
Authorized, Investec Derby, Epsom, 2007
Dettori looked destined to never win the blue riband of British Flat racing after 14 unsuccessful attempts, but Peter Chapple-Hyam’s colt was his best chance yet. Slowly away and further back than ideal, Dettori exercised patience and let his mount work his way into contention before joining the issue two furlongs out and powering away by five lengths.
Raven’s Pass, Breeders’ Cup Classic, Santa Anita, 2008
Jimmy Fortune was jocked off in favour of Dettori as the John Gosden-trained colt became the first British winner of one of America’s biggest races. Held up early on, Dettori switched wide at the top of the straight and Raven’s Pass powered down the outside to lead a furlong out and record a famous victory.
Golden Horn, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Longchamp, 2015
The colt who put Dettori back in the big time. The pair had enjoyed a stunning season, with just one blip, at York, but the crowning moment undoubtedly came in France. The masterful Dettori soon got his mount in the best possible position from an unfavourable draw and while it briefly looked at one stage that Treve might swoop to conquer, Dettori had got it right again and his mount stayed on in tremendous fashion. Majestic.
Enable, King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Ascot, 2019
Enable defined three seasons for Dettori and her victory over Crystal Ocean after a titanic battle up the Ascot straight is definitely one for the highlight reel. The pair went toe to toe over the final two furlongs, with Dettori demonstrating his mastery in the saddle as he put down his whip and relied on hands and heels to snatch a narrow verdict over an incredibly worthy adversary. The mare added a record third triumph the following year.
Stradivarius, Gold Cup, Royal Ascot, 2020
Not a vintage renewal by any means, but Stradivarius was another cornerstone of the Dettori-Gosden partnership renaissance. Heavy rain on raceday morning appeared likely to impact on Stradivarius’ chance of a Gold Cup hat-trick, but Dettori rode with supreme confidence and when he popped the question, Stradivarius sprinted clear to win by 10 lengths – with the duo returning to near silence and empty stands due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Caymanas Park to celebrate retired horses with historic raceday
In a groundbreaking initiative, Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has partnered with the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) to host the inaugural Thoroughbred Aftercare Raceday at Caymanas Park on Saturday, November 23. This historic event, the first of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean, underscores the racing industry's commitment to responsible practices and the welfare of retired racehorses.
The dedicated raceday represents a significant step toward formalizing the retirement process for Jamaica’s thoroughbreds. Chris Wills, Vice President of Administration at SVREL, expressed pride in the initiative.
“This raceday is of special significance to us and is sure to become a staple on our racing calendar,” said Wills. “It’s a testament to our commitment to the animals that are the heart of our sport. We’re proud to partner with the JRC in taking proactive steps to ensure the dignity and care of the horses beyond their racing careers.”
The Jamaica Racing Commission, which oversees the largest population of thoroughbred horses on the island, has long championed initiatives to support racehorse welfare. Dr. Simone Johnally, the Commission Veterinarian at the JRC, emphasized the importance of honoring these horses and providing for their well-being after their racing days are over.
“These beautiful creatures spend an average of eight years within the racing product but have a lifespan of up to 30 years and deserve to be honored and provided with the care and support they need throughout their lives,” Dr. Johnally said.
She highlighted the versatility of retired racehorses, which often transition into new roles such as outrider ponies, trail and pleasure riding companions, members of the Mounted Troop Police, or participants in equestrian sports like show jumping, dressage, and polo. Additionally, retired horses can contribute to agriculture, equine-assisted therapy, and even serve as blood donors for medical institutions.
In recognition of the organizations supporting this vital cause, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Raceday will feature nine races, each named after key partner organizations. This creative approach not only celebrates collaboration but also raises awareness of the importance of aftercare for retired racehorses.
The event marks a crucial moment for Jamaica’s racing industry, setting a precedent for responsible racing practices and ensuring that the animals at the heart of the sport are treated with dignity and care throughout their lives. With initiatives like this, Caymanas Park is poised to lead the way in promoting horse welfare across the region.
iPrint joins forces with SVREL as Billboard Advertising Partner for Mouttet Mile 2024
iPrint is the latest corporate entity to signal its support for 2024 Mouttet Mile by coming onboard as the official billboard advertising partner for the event.
The partnership will see iPrint amplifying the event’s visibility with a series of impactful promotional displays on its traditional and electronic billboards across Kingston and St. Catherine.
“We’re proud to welcome iPrint on board as our advertising partner for the Mouttet Mile. Their expertise in outdoor advertising brings significant visibility and will help to raise public awareness and excitement for the event. We know their placements will reach thousands of potential attendees and will increase the anticipation and excitement for Jamaica’s premier racing event across key areas in Kingston and St. Catherine,” Aswanda Stoddart, SVREL AVP Administration, said.
iPrint’s involvement demonstrates its commitment to supporting Jamaica’s vibrant sports and entertainment scene and aligns with the company’s dedication to innovative advertising solutions that engage the community and bring high-profile events to the forefront.
“The efforts of SVREL in organizing and delivering this exceptional event, which not only elevates the profile of sports in Jamaica but also garners global attention through live broadcasts, are truly commendable,” said Mark Haddad, Sales Director at iprint Group of Companies.
“Supporting the Mouttet Mile aligns perfectly with the vision of enhancing and showcasing Brand Jamaica on the world stage. By collaborating with this diverse and prestigious event, we have a unique opportunity to amplify Jamaica’s cultural and sporting legacy. It is only fitting that we pledge our continued support to ensure the sustained success of the Mouttet Mile for many years to come, further solidifying Jamaica’s reputation as a hub of excellence and innovation,” he added.
SVREL and iPrint look forward to a successful collaboration that brings even more excitement to this year’s Mouttet Mile set for December 7 at Caymanas Park.
SVREL chairman calls for urgent reforms in stewarding after Heroes’ Day disruption at Caymanas Park
Following an internal investigation by Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), significant gaps in training have been identified, leading to stewarding practices at Caymanas Park falling short of international standards. As a result, SVREL Executive Chairman Solomon Sharpe has called for urgent intervention from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to address these issues and ensure the future integrity of horse racing in Jamaica.
The investigation was prompted after the Heroes’ Day race meet at Caymanas Park was abandoned on Monday, October 21, 2024. A group of punters reacted violently to the stewards’ decision in Race 2, leading to the event’s cancellation for safety reasons. Sharpe stressed that the current state of officiating is not up to par for a racing jurisdiction aspiring to world-class status.
“Our internal investigation has identified significant training gaps that have resulted in local stewarding practices falling short of international standards,” Sharpe said. He explained that while SVREL provides the facilities for racing, the stewards' oversight falls under the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC), a government-appointed body. Sharpe believes this disparity between local and international standards must be addressed immediately.
In his statement, Sharpe emphasized that improving stewarding standards is critical for the growth of horse racing in Jamaica. He called for the implementation of mandatory certification programs for stewards, ensuring that they are properly trained to handle the complexities of modern racing. He also advocated for regular assessments and retraining of officials to maintain a high level of competence and consistency in their decision-making.
Sharpe further stressed the need for clear accountability frameworks to be established, so that all decisions made by stewards are transparent and based on consistent, well-defined criteria. This, he believes, would help avoid situations like the one on Heroes’ Day, where the lack of clarity led to confusion and frustration among punters. Moreover, Sharpe called for the introduction of an independent appeals mechanism that would allow for the review of stewarding decisions, ensuring fairness and trust in the system.
Sharpe explained that these reforms are essential to creating a level playing field and restoring confidence in the integrity of horse racing at Caymanas Park. He expressed frustration that despite previous discussions with the JRC about the need for improved officiating, little progress has been made.
The incident on Heroes’ Day, which caused significant financial losses estimated at over JMD$70 million, underscored the importance of addressing these issues urgently. While Sharpe acknowledged the passion of racing fans, he firmly condemned the violent behaviour that followed the stewards' decision, stating that it endangered lives and tarnished the reputation of the sport. "While we value our patrons' enthusiasm, any expression of discontent must remain within acceptable bounds of sporting behaviour,” he asserted.
Sharpe also expressed disappointment with the lack of response from industry stakeholders following the incident. He pointed out that many who are typically vocal about SVREL’s operations have remained silent on this serious breach of sporting conduct. He called on all stakeholders to take equal responsibility for the sport’s integrity and to advocate for improvements in officiating and the overall management of races.
“The growth and sustainability of horse racing in Jamaica require more than just infrastructure investment and promotional efforts,” Sharpe said. “It demands the consistent application of international best practices across all aspects of racing.”
SVREL remains committed to modernizing Caymanas Park and advancing Jamaican horse racing. However, Sharpe made it clear that this vision can only be achieved through collective responsibility, with all stakeholders playing an active role in improving the industry’s standards and holding each other accountable.
“The time has come for all stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to the industry's growth not merely through words, but through actions, consistent engagement, and a willingness to address difficult issues head-on,” Sharpe concluded.
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