Frankie Dettori bids farewell to Royal Ascot after 33-year love affair with racing’s most famous track

SO after all that, it really is a case of Franks for the memories.

After a 33-year winning love affair with racing's most famous track and punters - the site of his Magnificent Seven in 1996 - it is finally all over.

There was no dream win in his final race.

There wasn't even a winner on the final day for the 52-year-old family man, although his amazing Gold Cup win, his ninth in all, will live long in the memory.

But having had his last ever ride at Royal Ascot, there will be a 5ft 4ins size hole in the heart of the Berkshire track.

Speaking to ITV, the world's most famous jockey said he was too knackered to let the emotion pour out.

But he suggested Sunday will be a different case entirely as he reflects on the racecourse that turned him into a global superstar.

Dettori, who even broke Royal protocol by planting a kiss on Queen Camilla, said: "I'm too tired to cry! I have been flat out.

"The Royal Procession and being in the carriage was one of the best things I have ever done

"To watch the crowd from it is unbelievable, to hear the cheers for the King and Queen was incredible.

"I was told I wasn't allowed to wave!

"Then I came here with five races, some disappointment but overall I enjoyed it.

"I haven't reflected on my emotions yet because I have been so busy.

"I probably will cry tomorrow, at the moment I am too tired!

"Ascot has been a lucky place for me. I have been very lucky I have had the support.

"Maybe it was a good thing I didn't win today as I don't think I could have handled the razzmatazz if i had won the last!

"Nevertheless I have had a great week with all my family. Thank you."

Franks for everything

Sun Racing's Jack Keene on the atmosphere at Ascot all week for Dettori

For the first 13 races at the Royal meeting, the atmosphere was sleepy and quiet, Frankie’s farewell tour threatening to end up a damp squib.

Then he won the Queen’s Vase on hot favourite Gregory and it was like the place was plugged into the mains, a surge of electricity sent through the crowd.

And he didn’t stop there.

He bagged his ninth Gold Cup in a thriller on the 15-2 shot Courage Mon Ami before firing in a day four double on Porta Fortuna and Coppice.

Thousands rushed to catch a glimpse of his flying dismount after each success because, for a lot of those in attendance, it might be the last chance they get to see it.

No doubt, it was great that Dettori got the winners we so craved in his retirement year and hugely important for the sport.

But it also became abundantly clear - no Frankie, no party.

He almost single-handedly brought the meeting to life - with a helping hand from the Royal winner Desert Hero.

Racing has lost several of its big personalities in recent years and when we return here in 12 months without him, Ascot will have lost its soul.

In every race throughout the week, if the commentator mentioned his name on a horse with a chance, a huge roar went up from the crowd.

Everybody knows him, everybody loves him, he is larger than life.

Royal Ascot is the most colourful race meeting on the planet, so it’s no surprise racing’s most colourful character has made it his own.

Who would have known back in 1990, after he rode first winner at the meeting in on Markofdistinction, that it was the start of a 33-year love affair.

All good things must come to an end and life will go on after Frankie… just not as we know it.

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