Racing luminaries pay tribute to Frankie Dettori on 50th birthday
‘With the exception of Lester Piggott, he’s the best-known person in racing’.
As Frankie Dettori celebrates his 50th birthday, leading figures from the world of racing have saluted his enduring talent: Sir Anthony McCoy, 20-times champion National Hunt jockey “Frankie is like Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Mike Tyson and Tiger Woods – there’s just something different about him. “I read a quote from a great philosopher, who said ‘Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see’. That is what Frankie is like – obviously there’s a lot of talent there, but there’s also that little bit of genius in him that means he can see things faster and better than other people can.“With the exception of Lester Piggott, he’s the best-known person in racing. A lot of people can talk the talk, but not many can walk the walk, but he has – all around the world. “Frankie doesn’t need anyone to say how great he is. He’s a brilliant person as well as a brilliant jockey – he’s got it all.” Aidan O’Brien, record-breaking trainer: “Frankie is a wonderful jockey, he always has been. He’s a fabulous rider and a great fellow.” Ed Dunlop, who teamed up with Dettori for big-race wins with the mares Snow Fairy, Ouija Board and Lailani: “He’s been a wonderful ambassador, he’s a wonderful jockey and is a great person, There’s no-one quite like Frankie! “He’s ridden Group One winners for us and for many other other people. And we all wish him a very happy birthday. “He’s ridden Lailani, Ouija Board, Snow Fairy – who were all great horses for me. He’s hard to get hold of now, but we’ve loved having him riding our horses.” American trainer Wesley Ward, who uses Dettori whenever he can, particularly at Royal Ascot, with horses like Lady Aurelia and Campanelle: “I’m 52 and Frankie is 50 – he sure does look a lot younger than me! “I hope he keeps going. He’s the greatest jockey in the world, that’s for sure, and has accomplished more than anyone. “Long live the King!” Peter Chapple-Hyam, trainer of Dettori’s first Derby winner Authorized: “He’s a fantastic jockey who has stood the test of time. “I think I used him as a 7lb claimer and I remember him winning a maiden on Dr Devious (in 1991). “I was very confident Authorized was in good form going into the Derby. I suffer with panic attacks and anxiety, but the good thing going to Epsom was nobody wanted to speak to me as everyone wanted to speak to Frankie, so me and the horse could go there nice and easy. “He’s been superb and age has certainly not stopped his ability – he’s riding better than ever.” Ray Cochrane, Dettori’s long-time friend and former agent: “It’s hard to believe he’s 50, although it does seem a lifetime ago when we first introduced to each other at Luca’s. “He’s still doing well for an old boy! He’s a brilliant jockey and has been a great ambassador for the sport – he’s the best.” Sir Michael Stoute, who has combined with Dettori to win big races all over the world: “Frankie has a perfect physique in addition to which he is a gifted horseman with a very competitive nature. It is a good mix!”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
O’Brien planning American adventure for Al Riffa
Group One winner to run at Saratoga with trainer harbouring Arc dreams.
-
Big-money buy Rogue Millennium to make Curragh return
Mare in line for Lanwades Stud Stakes debut for Joseph O’Brien.
-
Vandeek team anticipating tough test on Haydock return
‘We could be taking on some very capable horses who have had a run’.
-
Sunday evening plans on hold following initial pilot
Trial fixtures failed to hit turnover targets and met with negative feedback.
-
Passenger primed for Prince of Wales’s challenge
Lightly-race Stoute colt will be in action at Royal Ascot.
-
Hannon duo ready to chase Classic compensation at the Curragh
Newmarket placed runners gunning for Irish 2,000 Guineas gold.
-
American National on the radar again for Hewick
Shark Hanlon’s pride and joy ran another big race in France at the weekend.
-
Cowardofthecounty being sent to Coventry by O’Brien
Smart-looking colt impressed in Curragh debut win.