Frankie Dettori still flying at 50 as superstar jockey marks big return to action with two winners at Meydan
THEY just don’t make them like Frankie Dettori anymore.
After a short winter break, the main main returned with a big race double at Meydan, Dubai’s premier racecourse.
And of course, those lucky enough to be on track were treated to a pair of trademark flying dismounts.
Despite bringing up the half-century last month, Dettori was quick to rubbish any talk of retirement with is usual enthusiasm.
And the young guns have been well and truly warned.
Dettori will base himself in the Middle East for much of the winter, taking in the valuable meetings at the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup.
Most read in Horse Racing
After joking he had to brush off the dirt from his gear after such a long break, Dettori banged in two winners on his return.
He teamed up with British-based trainers Charlie Hills and Saeed bin Suroor.
The first of his wins came in the Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort for bin Suroor, worth over £70,000 to the winner.
In the next race Equilateral did the business for Hills and Dettori in the Dubai Dash, winning by half-a-length.
Super speedster! Equilateral wins back-to-back Dubai Dash’s under @FrankieDettori, who doubles up at @MeydanRacing for @cbhills
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 21, 2021#DWCCarnival pic.twitter.com/ywk7osl9wO
Dettori said: “I’m really enjoying my time here, maybe because I’m running out of years but I’m trying to taking it all in.
“Most people are locked in their houses doing nothing, and at least I get to do what I love. I am going to stay here in the United Arab Emirates until Super Saturday on March 6.”
Long time since we saw both legends @FrankieDettori and Saeed Bin Suroor having a win in @godolphin colors, more to come
— We Horse Racing (@wehorseracing) January 21, 2021#dwccarnival #DWCC #WHR #WeHorseRacing pic.twitter.com/DLvjA8I2G2
OFFERS OF THE DAY
Paddy Power: £20 Risk free Bet – CLAIM HERE
Betfair: Bet £5 Get £20 – CLAIM HERE
Paddy Power: £20 Risk Free Bet: New customers only. Place your FIRST bet on any sportsbook market and if it loses we will refund your stake in CASH. Max refund for this offer is £20. Only deposits made using Cards or Apple Pay will qualify for this promotion. T&Cs apply. Paddy’s Rewards Club: Get a £10 free bet when you place 5x bets of £10+. T&Cs apply. 18+ Begambleaware.org
Betfair: Bet £5 Get £20: Min £5 bet on the SBK, min odds 1.5 (1/2). Rewards valid for 7 days. Free bets must be placed at min odds of 1.5 (1/2). Exchange free bet limited to certain markets. Payment restrictions apply. T&Cs apply 18+ Begambleaware.org
There was more success on the card earlier in the day with Flat favourite Lord Glitters winning the big race for Yorkshire-based David O’Meara.
The eight-year-old grey came out on top in the Group 2 Singspiel Stakes to take his career earnings to over £1.6 million.
FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org