A day after claiming his second G1 Epsom Derby, jockey Frankie Dettori said Sunday his win aboard Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) was the “most thrilling moment,” of his career, even topping his historic seven-winner day at Ascot in 1996.
“I told my dad yesterday after the race that in my 28 years of riding that was my most thrilling moment, even more so than Ascot,” Dettori said. “Maybe because I'm older and realized how important it was, or the fact that I am running out of years. It was really special.”
Dettori noted it wasn't all smooth sailing Saturday.
“When I hit a flat spot 2 1/2 furlongs out, I did think maybe the stamina had run out,” he admitted. “However, when I gave him a smack he responded and when we got against Jack Hobbs I knew then that he was going to win. It felt like he pulled the handbrake off and it was an impressive turn of foot he showed.”
Dettori has endured a somewhat tumultuous two years, in which he split with longtime retainer Godolphin and also served a six-month suspension for a drug positive; however, his career has been resurgent as of late.
“One press person said to me that I have had a rollercoaster career. I said, 'no, I've had a colorful career,'” Dettori noted. “I have tried to be myself. Everybody has ups and downs, the most important thing is to be positive and look forward. I have had a few knockers on the way, those that like to kick you when you are down, but I never doubted myself. Yesterday was a personal satisfaction.”
He added, “I'll be honest with you, when you reach 50, for a jockey it is about the average age you stop. I am going to enjoy the next six years and if I can squeeze in another Derby that would be great, but maybe I am getting a bit greedy.”
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