Dettori’s ‘special’ consolation prize

FRANKIE DETTORI missed out on a record fifth win in the Dubai World Cup but there was a valuable consolation prize on his farewell appearance at the meeting — victory for the third year running in the Dubai Turf on Lord North. Dettori’s mount in the $12million World Cup, 2022 winner Country Grammer, was a spent force turning into the home straight after using up too much energy in the early stages to try to negate a tough wide draw. The 52-year-old Dettori, who will retire at the end of the year, was ultimately a spectator as Japan’s Ushba Tesoro delivered a withering run to land the £6m first prize.

It was a different story for Dettori on John and Thady

Gosden-trained Lord North, who travelled sweetly in the Dubai Turf before being eased into the lead inside a furlong out.

Dettori dropped his whip but Lord North still ran out a three-quarter length winner of the £2.6m first prize.

On an emotional day at Meydan racecourse, Dettori said: ‘I came in with some decent rides and to just get one on the board at this beautiful place that has been my home for so many winters really is special.

‘It’s my farewell season and it’s a remarkable job by the team to come back with this horse and win this race for the third time. I was that confident I lost my whip 300 (yards) out.’