The British flat season officially started at Newmarket on Saturday with the irrepressible Frankie Dettori triumphant aboard the Frankel colt Chaldean in the Group 1 Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
Wearing the famous Juddmonte silks, the 52-year-old Italian who retires from the saddle at the end of the year, knew he had one more shot at glory in the historic race.
Jockey Frankie Dettori celebrates on Chaldean after winning the Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes (Pic – Newmarket Racing)
He was determined to add to his three previous victories in the mile classic.
Never far from the pace, the well backed Chaldean (7-2) took the lead off the prominently ridden Hi Royal who was still in front inside the final furlong. Hi Royal then hung out across the track, which enabled Dettori to forge into a clear lead.
The Andrew Balding-trained winner kept on well to the line finishing a length-and-three-quarter winner from 125-1 shot Hi Royal, ridden by Oisin Murphy. Royal Scotsman (11-1) stayed on well for third.
The great Dettori is sure to give his fans much more enjoyment throughout the season, but with a reduced riding schedule the spotlight falls on his younger contemporaries to fight out what looks an intriguing 2023 Flat Jockeys Championship.
The jockey’s title is decided on winners of both Flat and All-Weather races taking place from the Saturday of the 2000 Guineas to British Champions Day at Ascot on Saturday 21st October.
What makes this season even more special from a purist’s point of view is the quality of jockey’s riding at present.
Ryan Moore pictured after winning The Qatar Nassau Stakes on Day 5 of The Qatar Goodwood Festival Meeting at Goodwood Racecourse in 2016 on Minding
Former champion Ryan Moore at the top of his game as the retained rider for Ballydoyle, whilst the likes of Jim Crowley, James Doyle, and Tom Marquand amongst others in the weighing room ensure that racing around the country is always competitive and entertaining.
Add to that list the emergence of Hollie Doyle over the last couple of seasons and talented newcomers Benoit De La Sayette and Harry Davies and the future looks bright indeed.
However, the bookmakers have priced up the Jockeys Championship as a duel between defending champion William Buick (8/11) and three-time winner Oisin Murphy (5/4).
Murphy missed the whole of 2022 due to suspension and has returned with the intention of winning back the title.
Oisin Murphy – favourite to lift title (Pic – Chase Liebenberg)
Oisin Murphy might have stolen the headlines with his great winning ride aboard Mawj in the 1,000 Guineas, but Buick, with four, has ridden one more winner than his rival over the first two days of the championship.
Word from within both camps is that both men are prioritising the title. In fact, they are both keener than ever to win, which only heightens the anticipation for the season ahead.
