From Fantastic Light to Blue Bunting: Dettori's biggest Irish strikes

After returning from injury at Newmarket on Thursday, on Saturday Frankie Dettori will head to the Curragh to partner Epsom Oaks winner Enable in Ireland's equivalent. Here we look back at some of his finest moments across the Irish Sea.

2001 Irish Champion Stakes

Epic, enthralling and the end of an unbeaten record. Galileo, now the most sensational sire we have ever seen, arrived at Leopardstown with an air of invincibility. He had done the Derby double at Epsom and the Curragh and floored Fantastic Light in the King George at Ascot. But revenge was oh so sweet for Frankie at Leopardstown. Dettori kicked for home on Fantastic Light rounding the final bend and got first run on Galileo. It was a masterstroke. He had the most willing partner who dug deeper than ever before to withstand the late surge of the hot favourite by a head.

Fantastic Light downs Galileo in an epic renewal of the 2001 Irish Champion Stakes

2016 Irish St Leger

The kiss was good, but the ride was even better. We all remember Frankie planting his lips on Willie Mullins' cheek after he somehow managed to take down the 1-7 favourite Order Of St George. There were only four runners and Dettori dazzled on the son of Beat Hollow who made a mockery of the 2015 County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He timed the fractions to perfection on Wicklow Brave and the decisive move came 3f out when he set sail for home. Ryan Moore was unable to reel him in, failing by half a length.

2005 Irish 2,000 Guineas

Not himself at Newmarket, completely himself at the Curragh. Dubawi oozed class in all three starts at two and this devastating display told us that he was even better at three. Oratorio was a head in front of him in the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket but that form was reversed here as Dettori eased to the front 2f out and never looked in a moment's danger on the way to a two-length triumph over the aforementioned Oratorio. The colt was all class and the ride was as cool as they come.

2003 Irish Oaks

Vintage Tipple, vintage Dettori. Jumps legend Paddy Mullins was 84 years of age and had never won a Classic before. Dettori changed that. The daughter of Entrepreneur had won both her starts at two but was only second in the Athasi Stakes on her first start at three so was allowed to go off at 12-1. She had never raced beyond a mile and looked in deep trouble as Dettori began to get serious 2f out. But he somehow managed to conjure a late rattle out of Vintage Tipple and she stayed on powerfully to beat L'Ancresse by a length and a half.

Dettori gives Vintage Tipple (right) the office in the 2003 Irish OaksCredit: MSI Caroline Norris 50% NO PRIVA

Blue Bunting
2011 Irish Oaks

It didn't look likely turning for home. It looked even less likely with a furlong to go. And, with 100 yards to race, punters with Blue Bunting written on their dockets surely threw them up into the air. Oh they of little faith. Dettori didn't give up. He switched her to the wide outside and came with a whirlwind finish to deny Banimpire by a short-head. It has to be seen to be believed.