Frankie Dettori rides 50th Royal Ascot winner

Frankie Dettori did his trademark flying dismount today after netting his 50th Royal Ascot win.

Day two

Frankie started the meeting tantalisingly close to the half-century mark, but he had to wait until the final race of the second day for his first winner of the meeting – and 50th in total.

It came in the Sandringham Handicap, when he won on board Osaila – after coming off best in a photo finish with favourite Always Smile.

“It’s extra special, the big number 50! This was one of my best rides of the week,” Frankie told reporters afterwards.

Comeback king

Frankie has enjoyed an extraordinary few weeks, with his Ascot tally coming hot on the heels of his second Investec Derby at Epsom and a win in the Prix de Diane in Chantilly at the weekend.

The Italian jockey had his first win at Royal Ascot 25 years ago, winning in 1990 on Markofdistinction. He is now the fourth most successful jockey at theRoyal Meeting, after Lester Piggott (116 wins), Pat Eddery (73) and Willie Carson (56).