'I shed a tear': Frankie Dettori relives Enable's date with destiny in the Arc

Frankie Dettori has opened up for the first time about his experience in and out of the saddle last Sunday at Longchamp when Enable came up just short in her bid for an historic third Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victory.

A special guest on ITV's Opening Show, Dettori discussed the pre-race atmosphere, how the race unfolded and what it was like to lose out to Waldgeist.

In the build-up to the race Dettori had shut himself away from the public eye, electing to not take any rides to prevent an injury and devoted himself to studying how Enable could triumph in the Arc for a third consecutive year, a feat never previously achieved in the race.

On raceday the atmosphere at Longchamp was electric as an expectant crowd greeted Dettori and Enable, and the jockey said: "It was amazing. As soon as I stepped out of the weighing room people were screaming and going berserk.

"It was like being at the football, it was not horseracing anymore. The paddock was rammed. I was trying to take it all in, it was a special moment. As I got near the winning post the crowd weren't shouting Enable anymore they were shouting my name. I'd never expected such warmth."

Fans cheer Enable (Frankie Dettori) before last week's ArcCredit: Edward Whitaker

For most of the race it looked like the crowd's wish would be granted and Enable's hat-trick bid would succeed, until she was gathered up late on by Waldgeist.

Reliving the Group 1, Dettori added: "It went exactly like I thought. I had a great spot, the pace was strong and I was able to save ground and give my horse a breather. Everything was fine until the Andre Fabre horse spoiled it in the last 100 yards.

"The race could not have panned out better. I wish Magical would have taken me into the race a bit longer, but once [eventual third] Sottsass arrived I had to go."

Beaten a length and three-quarters into second, Dettori felt the slow ground blunted Enable at a crucial stage, and said: "Waldgeist quickened, I didn't, that's the difference. If the ground was good I would have got to the line."

With the dream dashed, Dettori was understandably crestfallen in defeat, yet had to recompose himself for his remaining rides on the card.

Waldgeist runs down Enable to win the Arc last weekendCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We came close, I shed a tear on Sunday night," he said. "We tried, and we went down in glory, even in defeat. I was deflated and furthermore what was worse was I had another three races to ride so I had to pick myself up."

With a decision by owner Khalid Abdullah on Enable's career yet to be announced, the prospect of a fourth Arc run next year is still potentially in play, and unsurprisingly Dettori would love another chance to tackle the race with the five-year-old.

He said: "I just hope Prince Khalid keeps her in training and we try again next year."

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