06 May 2023 , 16:56
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Frankie Dettori clinched his fourth victory in the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on his final ride in the British Classic on Saturday.
The 52-year-old superstar of the saddle, who retires at the end of the year, steered Chaldean, trained by Andrew Balding for owners Juddmonte, to a length and three quarter victory from 125-1 chance Hi Royal with Royal Scotsman third.
The Italian’s 22nd British Classic success came 29 years after he rode his first on Balanchine in the 1994 Oaks.
Chaldean, a 7-2 chance, was the horse Dettori came off in a freak accident exiting the stalls at Newbury last month.
There was no such mishap this time as Dettori celebrated by blowing kisses to the Newmarket crowd before treating them to his trademark flying dismount.
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The 13-8 favourite Auguste Rodin was a massive disappointment and finished 12th with stablemate Little Big Bear last of the 14 runners.
As Dettori crossed the line, ITV presenter Francesca Cumani exclaimed: “Oh come on, he can’t retire! I know he is 52 years old but Frankie Dettori at his best has won the 2,000 Guineas.”
Jockey Frankie Dettori jumps off of Chaldean (PA)Dettori announced late last year that 2023 would be his final year in the saddle. He spent a rewarding winter in California and had begun the week by landing an elusive first success in the Italian 2,000 Guineas in Rome.
He said afterwards on Racing TV: "My emotions are all over the place. I want to cry, I want to laugh. It doesn't feel real. I don't know if I'm dreaming or not.
"To win a Classic any time in your life is great, to win in my last year is phenomenal. My home crowd. My son's here, my wife's watching at home. I haven't had a chance to soak it all up. Now it's done."
Dettori said he felt very relaxed approaching the race. "He was. horse with a chance so I should have been a bag of nerves.
"When I got to the top of the hill I thought I might just finish a good second but when I got ride of Oisin [Murphy on Hi Royal] I was able to enjoy it.
"It's mad really. The sensation that I got was really bizarre."