After Historic Victory, Frankie Dettori Candidly Reveals His Winning Strategy

Published 02/19/2024, 7:45 AM EST

Follow Us

After announcing the big move of shifting to Santa Anita, Frankie Dettori’s fans were waiting to watch him again on the winning road. For the last 36 years, the Italian jockey kept the horse racing world hooked to the events, giving victories against formidable opponents. So once in the fresh season, the expectations were nothing less. In that perspective, Frankie Dettori’s Breeder Cup performance last year vastly increased that urge. 

Despite riding on the best filly, Inspiral, the 53-year-old jockey used his tactics to sweep the victory in the last half in that Santa Anita affair. The mix of experience and clever aesthetic proved to be the difference between him and his opponents. A similar showdown was present on Sunday when Frankie faced another trailblazer in the park. Eventually, the result was no different. 

Frankie Dettori keeps experimenting and winning hearts 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

On Sunday, Frankie Dettori rode on the 4-year-old filly, Big Pond, to snatch the victory. But in the starting point, his motivated run faced a stumble as the opponent was Daddysruby, the unsettling champion of La Brea. So in humbling such a juggernaut, the ‘I Am A Celebrity’ personage needed to apply his poised tactics. Eventually, he did and snatched the victory. In his words, the tactics went: “I attacked him [Daddysruby] early… because I knew my filly. She stays well and she put on a good fight”. The version of it went on X-post, articulated by TVG. But giving more on the situation, the post conceded, “That was his 3rd for him of the day!”

But Frankie confessed that having a prevalent experience helped him to claim the victory on Sunday. In the previous La Brea Stakes, Frankie Dettori had his chance to know Big Pond better. So when it came to shunting the opponent, he preferred to have a close run with Daddysruby on Sunday. He trusted Big Pond to earn the momentum in the last half. Making his expectations true, the La Brea spearhead tried to edge him out. Frankie used that moment and outpaced the leaders in claiming his victory. Reportedly it was his second three-win occasion in Santa Anita this year. The first victory was no less exquisite. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

The Italian jockey never runs out of his tricks 

In the first week of January, Frankie Dettori registered his first three-win victory this season. Among the concerned three victories, the affair with the equine, Virat gave him a hard time. The gelding was no less of having firing inside, but on the race day, the situation changed. Even after starting at a good pace, Frankie Dettori faced his riding, losing the air, giving the leaders a sizeable space. At that moment, the 3x British flat racing champion slowed Virat down, aiming to gain pace in the last half. The tactics played subtly. The pair crossed the finishing mark, keeping the opponents far behind. 

Frankie Dettori Sparks Internet Frenzy as He Unveils His ‘Special’ Friend

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

However, on Sunday, Frankie Dettori sealed the day with his third victory in the ongoing nine-match program. So on the trot, six matches are still there to go. But moments like those fairly justified Frankie Dettori’s return to the race once again. Now his fans will want him to repeat such tales fairly in the upcoming matches. 

Watch this story: Most Exciting Equestrian Jump-Offs At Olympic Games

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Prasun Chakrabarty

627Articles

One take at a time

Prasun Chakrabarty is an Olympic Sports Writer for EssentiallySports, who specializes in covering aquatic arena events. Post his experiences with popular publications including PinkVilla, Prasun began his days in ES, by actively covering two prime events - 2023 US Open Swimming Championships and the 2024 TYR Pro Swim Series. Prasun's coverage extends beyond the pool, and he takes specific interest in the progress of the triangular rivalry between track and field stars, Sha’Carri Richardson, Shericka Jackson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. You can follow him on:-
Show More>

Edited by:

Sampurna Pal