World-renowned jockey Frankie Dettori didn’t come away with a win during his brief stint in Sydney, but he did leave with some great memories and a desire to return, possibly as soon as next year.
The champion hoop descended on the Harbour City to ride former international Welwal for Chris Waller in Saturday’s Golden Eagle, sticking around for three rides at the Melbourne Cup Day meeting at Randwick including Hosier in the $2 million Big Dance (1600m).
The Kris Lees-trained import started one of the fancies but didn’t handle the firm track and finished last.
While it was a disappointing result, Dettori said he had “absolutely loved” his visit.
“I had never been here before and everybody has been fabulous, overwhelmingly nice and I’ve really enjoyed it,” Dettori said.
“It’s a shame I didn’t win but it has been a great experience. I’ve loved it.”
Dettori was heading straight from Randwick to the airport for a Tuesday night flight to the US where he will ride at the Breeders’ Cup meeting.
While he is unsure if he will get back to Australia for The Championships in the autumn, he still harbours a desire to win an elusive Melbourne Cup.
If that opportunity doesn’t present next year, Dettori said he would be happy to come back to Sydney for another shot at the Golden Eagle and Big Dance.
“I’d like to have another go at the Melbourne Cup,” Dettori said.
“If it’s not there, I’d come back here for this race.
“But it has been fabulous, everybody has been extra supportive. The club has been amazing, they took me everywhere and I’ve had lots of fun.”
Dettori had seven rides during his Sydney sojourn, highlighted by a fifth aboard Yonkers in the Rosehill Gold Cup and third placing on Valiant in the TAB Highway Handicap on the Melbourne Cup Day program.
