Frankie Dettori’s 80th Royal Ascot Victory with Porta Fortuna in Albany Stakes

Porta Fortuna Delivers Impressive Albany Stakes Win for Dettori’s 80th Royal Ascot Victory

(Timeform, Friday, June 23, 2023) – Veteran jockey Frankie Dettori celebrated his 80th career win at Royal Ascot, guiding Porta Fortuna to a one-length triumph in the Albany Stakes. The Donnacha O’Brien-trained filly, a winner of a Group Three race at Naas in her previous start, put her experience to good use with a polished display in Berkshire.

Dettori, who had earlier ridden Gregory and Courage Mon Ami to success, cruised stylishly into contention passing the two-furlong marker and responded gamely to his urgings in the closing stages, holding off Aidan O’Brien’s Matrika to secure the victory. The win marked Dettori’s first as a trainer at the prestigious summer meeting, joining his father and brother Joseph on the Royal Ascot roll of honor.

“It’s brilliant to get 80. I had that figure in my mind all week, 100%,” said the retiring Italian jockey. “I thought, ‘God, I’ve got to get three’. It is easier said than done, but now that I’ve done it ‘Yes!’ it is a big number!”

Dettori’s daughter Mia was on hand to witness the landmark achievement, sharing the excitement of the moment. “It is amazing having a dad like him, especially when you are at the races. It is like you get the whole excitement which you wouldn’t otherwise get,” she said.

Donnacha O’Brien, securing his first Royal Ascot winner as a trainer, was delighted with the performance of the well-backed 5-1 winner. “She is a very smart filly, and big congratulations to all the owners, they spotted her potential early and bought into her,” he commented.

The promising filly, purchased after her debut win, could now target the Breeders’ Cup, with O’Brien noting, “she is quite a scopey filly” and highlighting the possibility of stepping her up in distance.

🔗 Source