Victory for Dettori aboard Courageous Friend at the Gold Cup

Frankie Dettori Rides Courage Mon Ami to Victory in Final Gold Cup

In a fairytale victory on his final ride at the Royal Ascot showpiece, Frankie Dettori galloped to glory aboard Courage Mon Ami. The aptly-named four-year-old son of Frankel showed plenty of grit and determination to overcome Coltrane in a titanic battle through the final furlong.

A Ninth Gold Cup for Italian Jockey

Dettori’s triumph marked his ninth win in the prestigious Gold Cup event. The legendary Italian jockey announced earlier this year that he would retire from racing at the end of this season, making this victory even more special for him.

Courage Mon Ami’s Impressive Rise

Courage Mon Ami was having only his fourth lifetime start at the Gold Cup race. He had previously won all three races he entered for John and Thady Gosden before stepping up in trip for this challenge.

The odds were against the young colt as Subjectivist, winner two years ago, made most of the running while Courage Mon Ami settled near the back of the pack. But Dettori took a calculated risk by waiting on the rail before sweeping through beaten horses and switching outside Coltrane’s withers.

Unbelievable Victory Against All Odds

The odds were stacked against them, but it didn’t stop Dettori from believing that they could pull off something miraculous. And true enough, they did! A speechless but jubilant Dettori exclaimed,

“Unbelievable! I thought it was a bridge too far from handicaps, but I had the perfect race. He’s still a baby, but when Coltrane came back he picked up again. I can’t hear myself talking!”

John Gosden’s Great Training Skills

Courage Mon Ami’s trainer, John Gosden believes that his horse was well-prepared for this challenge and praises Dettori for pulling off such a great ride.

“It was a great ride by Frankie; he saved every inch and slipped through and showed his nerves were better than ours.”

Gosden also credits Rab Havlin who rode Courage Mon Ami in all of his previous races as the guy who sets up the car for the Formula One driver. Although Havlin wasn’t on board for this victory, it is clear that his contributions have been invaluable to getting Courage Mon Ami to where he is today.

A Wonderful Year Ahead?

The owners had Gregory win the Queen’s Vase yesterday, and it would be wonderful if they both ran in the Gold Cup next year. According to Gosden,

“I’m sure the owners would run both as they are very sporting – but that’s a year ahead.”