Frankie Dettori is carried through his final day’s riding in France on a sea of sentimental support but he can’t provide a fairytale ending

• Frankie Dettori finished 13th on Free Wind in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
• His hopes of of winning Sunday’s Prix de la Foret dashed by 28-1 shot Kelina 
• The 52-year-old also finished second in Saturday’s Prix Dollar on Jack Darcy

There was no fairytale ending for Frankie Dettori but he was carried through his final day’s riding in France on a sea of sentimental support.

The 52-year-old Italian had conceded in the build-up to the Arc that his hopes on 20-1 shot Free Wind were slim. He was not wrong, with the John and Thady Gosden trained mare finishing 13th.

Much more solid were Dettori’s chances of winning Sunday’s Prix de la Foret for the second year running with Kinross but the odds-on favourite was denied by half a length by 28-1 shot Kelina and the stewards at the subsequent enquiry couldn’t find a reason to contrive the result the crowd craved.

It meant Dettori, who also finished second in Saturday’s Prix Dollar on Jack Darcy, took his saddles home for the final time having triumphed in 68 Group One races.

Reflecting on his final ride in the Arc, a race Dettori has won a record six times, he said: ‘She just lacked an extra gear but it went to plan. I’ve been riding favourites for the last five years so there was no pressure.

Frankie Dettori finished 13th on Free Wind in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Sunday

‘This morning I was sad. I have found it overwhelming at times but I have tried to keep it together. The Arc is a special race and it is no different this year. The winner is a superstar.’

Reflecting on his success in the race, Dettori added: ‘Memories? It’s all been great, six Arc wins and I have ridden some great champions. Riding in it 34 times is a record in itself.’

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