IS FIRST PAST THE POST TO SAY FAREWELL TO FRANKIE DETTORI
In his long and successful career, Frankie Dettori rode more than 50 horses to victory for Elizabeth II.
Consequently, it was only fitting that his retirement from UK racing was marked at Ascot Racecourse by the new Queen.
On elegant autumnal form in a forest-green coat dress by Anna Valentine, Her Majesty celebrated the jockey’s last day at QIPCO British Champions Day, keeping dry from a shower of rain beneath a Fulton umbrella of the style favoured by her mother-in-law.
A passionate horsewoman herself, the Queen paid a touching tribute to Elizabeth with an eye-catching brooch featuring a pavé-set diamond horse ridden by a jockey wearing the regal red and purple of the King’s silks. The design was similar to a brooch commissioned by the Racing Post newspaper and made by jewellers Alabaster & Wilson to mark Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday in 2016.
The Queen also unveiled a specially commissioned statue of three-time champion Frankie on horseback, designed by artist and sculptor Tristram Lewis.
FINAL GALLOP
Frankie, 52, was bringing the curtain down on a 35-year career in the UK before heading to pastures new in California, where he will continue to race.
And after breaking royal protocol at his final Royal Ascot in June – when, in high spirits after winning the Gold Cup, he kissed the newly crowned Queen – this time the jockey restricted himself to shaking hands and chatting to Her Majesty.
In the perfect farewell, Frankie galloped to victory on King of Steel in the Champion Stakes, blowing cheering fans kisses before perfo
