All the inside information on Royal Ascot
In this file picture taken on June 20, 2013, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with her horse, Estimate, in the winner's enclosure after it won the Gold Cup on the third day of Royal Ascot, in Berkshire, west of London. PHOTO | CARL COURT | AFP
What you need to know:
- Frankie Dettori's heart has already ridden sixty winners at Royal Ascot over the years.
- The Italian jockey has an enviable engagement on Stradivarius, 5, bidding to retain his crown in the G1 Gold Cup on Thursday.
- Her Majesty The Queen, only ever comes down to present the trophy on two occasions, the Gold Cup, and, Diamond Jubilee.
- The Gold Cup is a fantastic race with a rich history, and being ladies' day adds to its charm.
Royal Ascot holds a special place in Frankie Dettori's heart. He has already ridden sixty winners there, over the years, including a notorious seven-timer.
“I'm really looking forward to this meeting. Me and John Gosden have gathered a pretty decent team and I have some nice outside rides too. Every race is tough, some with even a minimum of 20 to 30 runners. It is not easy. Luck plays its part. In 2018, Cracksman was a mere penalty kick, but he got beaten.”
OVERTAKEN
The Italian jockey has an enviable engagement on Stradivarius, 5, bidding to retain his crown in the G1 Gold Cup on Thursday.
Horses and jockeys round the final bend in the Queen's Vase during the fourth day of Royal Ascot horse race meeting June 19, 2009. PHOTO | FILE | REUTERS
Son of Sea The Stars is yet to be overtaken in his last six starts, capturing the Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers' £1-million Bonus Scheme.
He is very fresh and has become the people's favourite horse. Stradivarius wears his heart on his sleeve, always refusing to give in.
There is young talent coming through and new horses come along every year. They will want to have a shot at the title, but let us see what happens.
Racegoers pose as they attend Ladies Day at the Royal Ascot horse racing meet, in Ascot, west of London, on June 22, 2017. PHOTO | AFP
Her Majesty The Queen, only ever comes down to present the trophy on two occasions, the Gold Cup, and, Diamond Jubilee.
HONOUR
It is an honour to receive the trophy from her. The Gold Cup is a fantastic race with a rich history, and being ladies' day adds to its charm.
Dettori also sits on Too Darn Hot in the G1 St James's Palace Stakes Tuesday. The son of Frankel was crowned Europe's Champion.
A race-goer with a flamboyant hat is pictured on Ladies Day at the annual Royal Ascot horse racing event near Windsor, Berkshire on June 16, 2011. PHOTO | CARL DE SOUZA | AFP
He is owned by Lord Andrew Lloyd-Webber, but had a pretty rough time on the way to Ascot, especially at York in the Dante. Looking forward to progress now.
King Of Comedy also runs in the St James's Palace Stakes, so, has to be respected.
Connections of American sprinter Imprimis, have secured the services of Dettori for the £500,000 G1 King's Stand Stakes.
Enable, ridden by Frankie Dettori, wins The King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. PHOTO | COURTESY
CRYSTAL OCEAN
Imprimis is probably the best American turf sprinter. The King's Stand looks a very good challenge with Blue Point, Mabs Cross, and Battaash (Jim Crowley), right up there. Equilteral represents Khalid Abdullah.
Dettori has also picked up the ride on Sir Michael Stoute's, Crystal Ocean.
A racegoer arrives in his classic car on the second day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meet, in Berkshire, west of London, on June 18, 2014. PHOTO | LEON NEAL | AFP
Connections have decided to target the G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes on Wednesday, in what could be a blinder, featuring Sea Of Class (James Doyle), Magical, and, Deirdre. Masar will try for the Hardwicke Stakes.
The Prince Of Wales's Stakes looks to be the best race, if everyone turns up.
Gamblers should beware. They often attribute Ascot as a Punter's Graveyard.
