Frankie Dettori has joined an elite group of jockeys, clinching a 50th Royal Ascot win aboard Osaila in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot.
Lester Piggott (116), Pat Eddery (73) and Willie Carson (56) are the only others to have ridden 50 or more winners at the Royal meeting.
It has already been a season to savour for the 44-year-old who won the Derby aboard Golden Horn before following up just over a week later with Star Of Seville in the French Oaks.
Osaila’s narrow victory on Wednesday was even more special for the popular Italian as he was wearing the colours of his boss, Sheikh Joaan Al Thani.
“Sheikh Joaan saved my career and I’m very grateful. Ascot is my place and I love it,” Dettori said after thrilling the crowd with is traditional flying dismount.
“Fifty is a big number. To join the greats like Lester Piggott and Pat Eddery means a lot.
“I was getting a bit worried because I had some good rides today, but now I’ve done it.”
Harry Herbert, racing manager for the sheikh, said Dettori was riding as well as ever.
“He’s riding at the top of his game. He looks great and is as hard as nails,” Herbert said.
“He’s had his 50th Royal Ascot winner and had the year of all years.
“It just shows in any sport when your confidence is up anything can happen. It’s wonderful working with him. His enthusiasm and his professionalism is absolutely fantastic and he’s deserves every bit of it.”
