In the rider's seat

Frankie Dettori is one of the most recognised names in sport, not only for his charisma and the famous flying dismounts that make him a firm favourite with horse racing fans, but because of his incredible skill on the track.

The Italian jockey has won the Dubai World Cup for Godolphin three times, in 2000, 2003 and 2006. He has won major races — many of them multiple times — in 11 countries, including six editions of Britain's Queen
Anne Stakes.

On top of the world

"When I crossed the line after my first big win, I felt like the world had slowed down and everything went really dark," says Dettori. "I felt like I was walking on the moon. I'll never forget it." The Dubai World Cup is the season finale, and the result of months of focus and training.

"We race at Nad Al Sheba every Thursday before the World Cup. I ride in the morning about twice a week and keep jogging and walking around Safa Park, along with the rest of Dubai," says Dettori.

In his 14-year career with Godolphin, Dettori has achieved a 30 per cent win strike rate and a 58 per cent win/place strike rate. With such an impressive record, he's feeling the pressure at this year's Dubai World Cup.
"I'm quite hard to live with about four days prior,"
he admits. "I get mood swings, upset and aggressive, but it's a natural part of the tension. My wife is very understanding."

Keeping his cool

Despite the mounting tension, Dettori emphasises the importance of keeping a cool head on the day.
"I'm actually very relaxed when I arrive at the Dubai World Cup — very focused and happy. I spend a couple of hours thinking of the worst scenario the race could throw at me so I can get out of it. You've got to have plan A, B, C and D." He places high importance on keeping a positive outlook, explaining that any negativity can affect the performance of the horse. "We are dealing with an animal - the horse is very sensitive and he really understands and captures your moods," says Dettori.

"I always try to get to the races with a good frame of mind, so I whack the stereo up on full blast with house music, which my kids always tell me to turn down," he jokes.

Steed of choice

Riding for Godolphin, Dettori's Dubai World Cup horse this year is My Indy. "He's a very interesting horse," says Dettori. "He's won the Maktoum Challenge One and Two, which are the two big races prior to the Dubai World Cup. He's improved a lot from last year and we're very, very hopeful. He's not the best horse I've ever ridden, but he's got the right quality to do well."

Frankie has been training with My Indy all season in preparation for the Dubai World Cup.
"I see him in the mornings when I ride him. When you've been racing all your life it becomes quite natural. As long as he's fit and healthy then the rest comes on its own," he says.
With odds currently at 8:1 for My Indy to win the Dubai World Cup, Frankie's fourth win at Nad Al Sheba's biggest event of the racing calendar looks challenging.
"It feels fabulous to win. I've been riding here with Godolphin for 14 years.

I feel like the whole crowd is behind us, so it's extra special when we do win. It's a great feeling of joy and relief."

Famous moves
No big win of Dettori's would be complete without his famous flying dismount. "There was a great jockey called Angel Cordero Junior who used to leap off the horse after he used to win," Dettori says of the origin of the move.

"As a young boy I was fascinated by him. I stole the move off him, took it to Europe and now I'm more famous for the jump than for the races!"

To err is human
Though Dettori has high hopes for this year's event,
he concedes that losing is a necessity in improving
his technique.
"Obviously I do get upset when I don't win, but you've got to learn from your mistakes," he says.

"I get reflective about what went wrong, whereas when you're younger you get really upset. It's a more mature reaction now. I don't shout — that's very rare. I just keep to myself."
Whatever the result tonight, Dettori plans to close the Dubai racing season in style.

"Unfortunately the worst thing about the race is that by the time I finish and shower, it is 11pm. Everybody has been partying since 8pm, so it's a great challenge to catch up," he says laughing. "It's a celebration of the day as well as the end of the season in Dubai. Then I pack my bags and go to Europe. It's a last goodbye to everybody until
next year."