Dettori and Piggott: men who transcend racing with their own unique brands

Those whose lives unfolded in tandem with George Best’s career are adamant he was the finest footballing talent ever born on these islands. Those of us who grew up after Best’s comet burnt out have to take that verdict on trust.

There are other things we have to take with a pinch of salt. Much as we might admire the mountain-climbing prowess of cyclists in the Tour de France, it comes with the suspicion some of those exploits have been artificially enhanced.

But no caveats whatsoever are required to assess Frankie Dettori’s place in horseracing’s firmament. He is the grid’s electric current; the orchestrator, songwriter and lead vocalist of the band. He is nothing less than racing's beating heart.