Gosden’s delight at having Dettori on his side

Frankie-Dettori-and-Star-Catcher-Irish-Oaks

Share this story






John Gosden hailed Frankie Dettori in the wake of their latest Group One glory together after Star Catcher won the Irish Oaks at the Curragh.

Dettori’s genius in the saddle has been in evidence throughout this summer and he delivered a front-running masterclass on the aptly-named Star Catcher to win fillies’ Classic for the fourth time this century.

After winning the Epsom Oaks on Gosden’s Anapurna, Dettori starred at Royal Ascot with a fabulous four-timer that peaked when he partnered Stradivarius to retain the Gold Cup and he has also steered Enable win the Eclipse at Sandown during July.

According to Gosden, his regular rider is without equal and their alliance continues to flourish, though the Clarehaven handler jests that he sometimes has to protect his own livelihood. “We’ve been lucky to have him,” said the Newmarket handler.

“He’d be the first to tell you that he went through some difficult times, mostly self-inflicted, but one specifically not. “He’s a wonderful person to be around. He’s like family with us. “He’s a gorgeous rider and knows his horses.

When he’s with you working them in the morning he nearly wants to train them, so I have to calm him down.” Dettori will be hoping for more big-race success when Enable bids to win the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The mare is 1.67 to win the Group One contest, while Royal Ascot scorer Crystal Ocean is 3.67 to halt her winning run for trainer Sir Michael Stoute.

Leave a comment