It's 250 Group 1 wins for Dettori as Star Catcher scraps her way to victory

Not this time you don't!

One race earlier Frankie Dettori had been denied by Ballydoyle in a nose-bobbing showdown, but with the help of the extremely willing Star Catcher he ensured his party was not spoiled for a second time, narrowly landing a Champions Day success that gave him the 250th Group 1 triumph of his career.

It was on an autumn afternoon at Ascot 29 years ago that Dettori bagged his first Group 1 prize, victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes aboard Markofdistinction beginning what has become a frequently consummated love affair with the royal racecourse.

There have been many more good than bad moments here, but Long Distance Cup defeat on Stradivarius left him feeling, in his own words, sour. Altogether different was the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, in which the John Gosden-trained Star Catcher gave her all and then a bit more to deny Delphinia and Sun Maiden.

Frankie Dettori after Champions Day success on Star CatcherCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

For Star Catcher this was a third Group 1 strike in 2019. For her 48-year-old jockey, who had been on her back for both those previous top-flight wins, it was his 18th taste of Group 1 glory in a year that has been consistently exceptional.

He had, of course, hoped the 250 milestone would be reached on Enable in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. That was not to be. Essentially, however, it has been one huge win after another. This was the latest.

"From crying to smiling in half an hour," said Dettori.

"She is good and tough. It was a slog for everyone and I was definitely beaten a furlong out but she found a second wind. She is a wonderful filly and she has provided me with my 250th Group 1.

"It's amazing, incredible. I knew I was on 249 before the Arc. I thought maybe that was going to be the one – but it wasn't."

This was the one – and the one on which it was gained is being kept in training by owner-breeder Anthony Oppenheimer. That is not the case with stable companion Anapurna, who finished 11th after slipping and falling when going out on to the track. She was also reported to have lost a shoe.

It's a familiar sight as Frankie Dettori executes a flying dismount following his 250th Group 1 successCredit: Edward Whitaker

Gosden said of Star Catcher: "It was extraordinary to see the three of them fighting it out together and she was determined to get her head in front. You can have nothing but admiration for courage like that. She is a brave, wonderful filly and will now have a lovely winter off."

The luckless Delphinia has been beaten into second by a different Gosden team member on her last three starts, but rider Seamie Heffernan took a philosophical approach, reasoning: "Second is better than third – but it's not as good as winning."

After a brief deviation from the norm, Dettori was a winner once again.

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