Frankie Dettori is set for a nostalgic reunion at Nad Al Sheba today with Atlantis Prince, the horse that gave him an emotional comeback victory in his first ride after surviving a horrific Newmarket plane crash two years ago.
Less than two months after the light aircraft crashed just across the famous Heath, killing his friend and pilot, Patrick Mackey, and injuring Dettori and fellow jockey Ray Cochrane, the Italian partnered Atlantis Prince to a most memorable victory before a rapturous Newmarket crowd.
The records show that Atlantis Prince, trained at the time by Sean Woods before being acquired by Godolphin at the end of 2000, won the Tote Exacta Conditions Stakes by three quarters of a length but what it won't show are the sentiment secured to that unforgettable moment.
After being given a hero's welcome on his return to the quaint little winner's enclosure at Newmarket's July course, Dettori had said: "It's a fairytale come true. Two rides and two wins on my new career. It is very emotional. It's great to be back. It's nice to be alive. I'm very, very excited."
Today Dettori and Atlantis Prince team up again for only the third time since that unforgettable day in August 2000 with victory in the Al Fahidi Fort being a fitting tribute to the rider's resilience.
Dettori set for nostalgic ride on Prince
Frankie Dettori is set for a nostalgic reunion at Nad Al Sheba today with Atlantis Prince, the horse that gave him an emotional comeback victory in his first ride after surviving a horrific Newmarket plane crash two years ago.