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.
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
#DWCCarnival pic.twitter.com/ywk7osl9wO
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 21, 2021
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
#dwccarnival #DWCC #WHR #WeHorseRacing pic.twitter.com/DLvjA8I2G2
— We Horse Racing (@wehorseracing) January 21, 2021
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.
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