Frankie Dettori enjoys dream start to his final day racing on British turf as he wins with Trawlerman in thrilling finish in the QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot

• Frankie Dettori secured victory in British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot
• Veteran jockey surged late with Trawlerman to defeat favourite Ryan Moore
• Victory marks perfect start to Dettori’s final day racing in front of British crowds

Frankie Dettori enjoyed the perfect start to his final day racing in the UK as he clinched a thrilling victory at Ascot.

The 52-year-old has suspended his plans to step away from the sport to embark on a retirement tour of the United States, with Saturday marking his final day racing in front of a British crowd.

Dettori’s first race of the day at British Champions Day came on 9-1 shot Trawlerman.

However, any hopes of a fairytale farewell to the UK looked dashed as odds-on favourite Ryan Moore on Kyprios led heading into the home straight.

The Italian rallied with a final surge to edge Moore in a thrilling finish and add another to his 3300 career wins.

Frankie Dettori surged late with Trawlerman to win the British Champions Long Distance Cup at Ascot

Saturday’s races mark Dettori’s final appearance in the UK before a retirement tour of the US

The veteran jockey praised the atmosphere at Ascot after coming from behind to win

Speaking following his victory Vettori was full of praise for the spectators in attendance.

‘That was nuts. Once he got back up [having been headed] the crowd went crazy. When Ryan came to me I thought I’m a spent force and then he came back and he was so gutsy. I am speechless!’

‘Once he got back the crowd went crazy, I could hear them. Wow, what a race!’ Dettori told ITV Racing. ‘Amazing on my final day, beating one of the best jockeys in the world. I have great respect for him. Amazing, now I can do the dismount!’

The victory marked the first of four races Dettori is scheduled to be involved in during Saturday’s action at Ascot. 

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