King Of Steel strikes in Champion Stakes as Dettori signs off in style
Frankie Dettori signed off his stint riding in Britain in the best possible style when swooping late on King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett) to add another elite-level win to his bulging tally in yesterday’s British Champion Stakes (Gr 1, 1m 2f) at his beloved Ascot.
Partnering the Epsom Derby (Gr 1, 1m 4f) runner-up for the first time on what is expected to be his last mount riding full-time in Britain, US-bound Dettori rousted the Roger Varian-trained colt late on to get up and score by three-quarters of a length, a result which prompted jubilant celebrations in the packed grandstands.
As well as Dettori, it was a landmark win for big-spending owners Amo Racing, who were celebrating their first domestic Group 1 winner with the son of Coolmore’s shuttler Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj).
Despite her rider Oisin Murphy dropping his whip a furlong from home, Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) proved a tough rival for King Of Steel to pass, going down by three-quarters of a length with French raider Horizon Dore (Dabirsim) finishing third, a further two lengths away.
Dettori, who started the afternoon with a win on Trawlerman (Golden Horn) in the Long Distance Cup (Gr 2, 1m 7.5f), told ITV Racing: “It’s absolutely insane, what a day. I’m having my last ride winning the Champion Stakes at Ascot, I have to pinch myself.
“He hated the ground and I was struggling in behind but what a superstar. Well done to the team.”
Dubai Honour, a dual Group 1 winner in Sydney earlier in the year for William Haggas, could finish only sixth of the eight runners on his first start for 105 days on unsuitably testing ground.
King Of Steel, who became the eighth individual elite-level winner for Wootton, is the third foal out of the winning Verglas (Highest Honor) mare Eldacar. Bred by BCF Services, the colt was bought at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale for US$200,000.