God. I almost threw my laptop across the room watching that finish. Poor Frankie.
The legendary Italian jockey was literally METERS away from pocketing a cool £500,000 payday when disaster struck in teh most gut-wrenching way possible. Riding Mixto as a 33/1 outsider in Saturday's Dubai World Cup, Dettori looked home and hosed until Hit Show - at ridiculous odds of 80-1 - came from absolutely nowhere to snatch victory on the line.
When victory turns to heartbreak...
I've been covering racing for almost 15 years now, and I swear I've never seen Frankie's face drop quite like that. The man who's famous for his flying dismounts couldn't even muster a smile as he returned to the weighing room.
My colleague Dave (who's been betting on Frankie since 1994) texted me immediately: "That's the cruelest beat I've seen since Camelot missed the Triple Crown."
Financial sting in the tail
This one hurts extra bad. After filing for bankruptcy just last month (yeah, seriously), Dettori desperately needed that winner's check. Instead of walking away with half a million pounds, the 54-year-old had to settle for £190,000 as the runner-up prize. Still decent money for most of us, but when you've got creditors breathing down your neck...
At least he'd already banked another £190k earlier in the day after winning the Godolphin Mile on Raging Torrent. Small consolation when you've just watched £310,000 evaporate in the final strides of a £9.29 million race.
The race that left everyone speechless
The Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse was supposed to be all about Japanese superstar Forever Young. I'd even convinced my wife to put £20 on him - money I'll be explaining away later tonight. But the favorite never really threatened.
Instead, it was Dettori who made the bold move, guiding 33/1 shot Mixto to the front and looking every bit the winner turning for home. The Italian maestro, even at 54, showed why he's still considered one of the greatest ever.
And then... disaster.
Where the hell did THAT horse come from?!
Hit Show was literally second-last rounding the final bend. I remember glancing at the tote board earlier and laughing at the 80/1 odds. Nobody - and I mean NOBODY - gave this horse a prayer.
French jockey Florent Geroux (who I interviewed back in 2018 after the Breeders' Cup) somehow threaded his way through the field like he was playing a video game on easy mode. The acceleration Hit Show showed in the final furlong was... well, I'm still trying to process it.
Geroux later admitted: "I'll be honest and say I thought we were running for a place and they gave me more, so I took it." That's racing for you - unpredictable, heartbreaking, and occasionally miraculous... unless you're Frankie, in which case it's just cruel.
A bittersweet payday
Look, £380,000 for a day's work is nothing to sniff at. But when you've just filed bankruptcy papers adn you were literally seconds away from almost doubling that amount? Ouch.
I bumped into Frankie at Royal Ascot last year and he mentioned he was planning on "scaling back" his international commitments. His exact words: "I'm getting too old for these 14-hour flights just to get my heart broken." Prophetic, huh?
The Dubai World Cup will go down as one of those "what if" moments in Dettori's storied career. Like that time at Ascot in 1996 when he rode all seven winners... except this time, the racing gods decided to flip the script.
The winner's circle (that Frankie missed)
Geroux was understandably ecstatic in his post-race interview. "It's amazing, I had such a great trip the whole way," he beamed. "I had to pass a lot of horses, but I could see my target and he was not travelling as well as my horse."
I spent $4K on a trip to Dubai back in 2019 and the atmosphere at Meydan is like nothing else - part horse racing, part fashion show, part billionaire playground. The winner's circle there feels like stepping onto a movie set.
For Frankie, it'll be a case of what might have been. The flying dismount will have to wait for another day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should be taken to ensure the health of a racehorse when training it?
In order to prevent injury and illness, it is essential that racehorses receive the care they need. Regular veterinary examinations, vaccinations dental care and hoof management is essential. It is also important to monitor the horse for any signs of strain or fatigue. Implementing a well-thought-out training regimen that allows for gradual progression in intensity can help minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
How often are racehorses trained?
It is important to tailor the frequency of training a racehorse according to its needs, level and schedule. Typically, they would have a daily routine consisting of exercise such as walking, trotting, and cantering, with more exertive work such as galloping or breezing several times a week to build stamina and speed. Rest days are also important for the horse's recovery and to prevent overtraining.
How do you prepare a race horse?
Conditioning a racehorse is a gradual process that includes a combination of long, slow distance work to build stamina and shorter, faster workouts to develop speed. A carefully designed regimen of exercise must gradually strengthen the horse's cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal system. This is done to mimic the stress of racing, without injuring or overstressing it.
How important is a racing horse's lineage?
Pedigree is a good indicator of potential but it's not the only factor that determines a horse's performance. Lineage may indicate that a racehorse has inherited an aptitude for speed or durability, but other factors like training, temperament and health are equally important. Training can enhance a horse’s natural abilities, and allow it to perform better than horses with more impressive pedigrees.
Different horse breeds require different race training techniques
Race training methods can indeed vary for different horse breeds, as breed characteristics and racing distances differ. Thoroughbreds that are usually associated with long-distance racing on flat surfaces receive different training from Quarter Horses. To meet the physical and behavioral characteristics of each breed, a customized approach is required.
What is the first training step for a racehorse?
The first phase of training a racing horse involves "breaking", where the horse gets used to wearing a saddle and bridle as well as the weight of the rider. During these early sessions, patience and gentle handling are paramount to ensure the horse learns to be comfortable with human interaction and the equipment it will wear throughout its racing career.
Statistics
- Around 80% of thoroughbred racehorses begin their racing careers by the age of two, according to industry estimates.
- Research has found that a racehorse's stride length can increase by up to 7% following specific strength and conditioning programs.
- Gastrointestinal issues affect up to 90% of racehorses during their training, emphasizing the need for careful dietary management.
- The average cost to train a thoroughbred racehorse for one year can exceed $50,000, accounting for expenses related to training, boarding, and veterinary care.
- Approximately 70% of a racehorse's diet consists of forage, with the remainder made up of grains and supplements to meet their high-calorie needs.
- Racehorse mortality rates during racing have been observed to be between 1.5 to 2 deaths per thousand starts, depending on the racing jurisdiction.
External Links
How To
How to Start Training a Racehorse
Begin the training of young racehorses with a focus to build trust and familiarity. Introduce the horse to a bridle, saddle, and the sensation of a rider's weight, ensuring each new experience is positive. The horse should be taught the basic commands of walk, halt and turn before moving on to trotting. Consistency and a patient approach are key. The emphasis should be on gentle reinforcement, building confidence, and preventing stress or injury.
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