With Covid-19 affecting the sporting world for months during 2020, it is great to have racing again on our TV screens, and it will hopefully not be long before racegoers are allowed back on a racecourse.
There is certainly plenty to look forward to in 2021, and one man who will be riding some of the best horses at the biggest meetings is Frankie Dettori.
The Racing Breaks ambassador will be in action on Dubai World Cup day in 2021, and we have teamed up with Racing Breaks to offer one lucky Racing TV member the chance to win a trip of a lifetime to next year's Dubai World Cup. Keep reading to find out how to enter.
Dettori is set to turn 50 on December 15 this year, and it’s fair to say he has enjoyed a huge amount of success across the globe during his 35 years in the saddle.
But what are his favourite racing fixtures? We caught up with Detttori himself to discuss his favourites and where you can see him in action in 2021.
My favourite meetings: The fixtures Frankie Dettori cannot wait to ride at in 2021
Dubai World Cup Day – Meydan – March 27, 2021
“There isn’t anywhere quite like Dubai!” says Dettori who travels to the city a couple of days prior to Dubai World Cup day each year to enjoy some of the sights and sounds the unique venue has to offer.
Dubai is one of Dettori’s favourite destinations to visit for both work and pleasure, as the city itself is a tourist hotspot with luxury hotels, beach resorts, vast shopping malls, and top restaurants and bars that have been built on the Arabian desert over the past 30 years.
The Dubai World Cup race day is the richest in the world and features nine races that showcases the top thoroughbred talent from around the world.
Many racing fans dream of attending Meydan for this spectacle, which is so much more than the racing itself, with dazzling entertainment and performances ongoing throughout the evening.
From traditional dancers and musicians, to a sensational firework display to conclude the racing, and even a concert performance from a popular music act to top it all off! Dettori says:
“Meydan is such a fantastic track. This is the richest race day and no corner is cut when it comes to world class entertainment; definitely a bucket list trip!”
Frankie has enjoyed bundles of success in the UAE, including three Dubai World Cup victories, having ridden for Sheikh Mohammed in the Royal Blue colours of Godolphin for 18 years.
The night prior to the race, Frankie heads over to the Racing Breaks Drinks Evening held at the luxury Jumeirah Mina A Salam hotel on the Jumeirah beach front, adjacent to the iconic Burj Al Arab.
He joins a panel of other racing stars to go through the card, share anecdotes from his times in the saddle, and answer any questions from the crowd in a Q&A.
“It is a fantastic chance for guests to enjoy a few drinks, meet fellow racegoers, and get a true insight into my world and what we think will happen on the big day,” says Dettori.
Last year’s event was hosted by Rishi Persad who was joined by two other leading jockeys, Jim Crowley and Pat Cosgrave.
Meydan is an astonishing building which measures one mile in length combining the main grandstand with the hotel in which all rooms boast stunning views over the track. As well as the main grandstand facilities, there are a number of clubs, bars and restaurants located on various floors to enjoy after racing, including one of Frankie’s favourites, the Qube.
2021 will be the ultimate year to attend this magical race night, and with the Dubai World Cup celebrating its 25th anniversary, Dubai is sure to pull out all the stops.
Racing TV presenter Rishi Persad is a big fan of the Dubai World Cup
Royal Ascot – June 15-19, 2021
Mr Royal Ascot himself! Dettori was one of the stars of the show once again at this year’s Royal Ascot where he took his tally of winners at the Royal meeting to 70, and finally accomplished a victory in every Group One race at the meeting after guiding Alpine Star to success in the Coronation Stakes.
And to top it off, Dettori was crowned top jockey a Royal Ascot for the sixth time!
Ascot is one of Frankie’s favourite places for the wonderful memories he has gained throughout his career - from his famous magnificent seven in 1996, to his Gold Cup hat-trick aboard Stradivarius this year.
It is also highly likely Stradivarius will be back next year and attempt to emulate the record set by the great Yeats and complete a Gold Cup four-timer.
Frankie regularly stays at a number of hotels that Racing Breaks offer during the week, which combine an exciting day out at the races, an overnight stay at a hotel nearby, plus transfers to and from the racecourse.
The racecourse itself is aesthetically charming and all four enclosures offer something unique with an array of bars and food outlets, as well as fantastic views of the famous straight as horses turn for home.
Frankie believes that Royal Ascot is the place where many young horses make their mark and whets the appetite for the form that succeeds it.
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – Longchamp - October 3, 2021
Frankie is a veteran at Longchamp having ridden in no less than 31 renewals of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, and the track was rebuilt ahead of the 2018 renewal.
He is the most successful rider in the history of Europe’s richest race and will attempt to record a seventh victory in the French showpiece on Enable - who will be seeking her third Arc success – this year.
Frankie is looking forward to crowds returning to Longchamp in October, all being well, and reinforces that it is what makes this race such a special occasion. Dettori says:
“I feed off the crowd's energy and the atmosphere is electric. I ride the special ones like any other race, but you certainly feel the pressure to perform well, and I felt this more than ever last year with so many people behind Enable.”
This is, of course, in reference to last year’s race where the beloved duo sadly didn't land the hat-trick so many fans were eager to see, but they came agonisingly close.
The racecourse underwent an impressive renovation over two years and reopened its doors in 2018 to racegoers from both sides of the channel who were eager to see the improvements.
The golden grandstand stands out amongst the green surroundings and is set against the backdrop of Paris’ financial district, with a view of the iconic Eiffel Tower in the distance.
There is incredible viewing of the whole course from wherever you are based and the open-plan design means that you are able to soak up the action from both the parade ring, and the track.
A trip to the Arc could not be easier as it is only a short journey by either Eurostar, or by Plane. With racing taking place on the weekend, there is ample time to explore the surroundings and visit all of the Parisien hotspots, and you don’t have to miss a day in the office!
Frankie runs a tight schedule and spends the evening prior to Sunday’s big race at the Racing Breaks Drinks Evening in central Paris, with a panel of tipsters and jockeys sharing their thoughts and views on how each of the races will pan out, as well as answering questions in a Q&A.
Whenever Frankie has the opportunity, he heads to his favourite restaurant KONG to enjoy a meal with friends before heading back home to Newmarket.
With a great line-up of racing events to come in 2021, Frankie does not show signs of hanging his boots up just yet, but he is sure to go out with a bang when he does decide to retire, and you do not want to miss out on seeing this legend of the sport in action!
Win a trip to the Dubai World Cup 2021
We have teamed up with our Travel Club partner Racing Breaks, to offer one lucky Racing TV Member and their guest a trip of a lifetime to next year's Dubai World Cup.
The Prize for two includes:
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Return airport transfers (Dubai)
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Four night's Bed and Breakfast at the 5* JW Marriott Marquis Hotel - one of the tallest hotels in the world
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Tickets to the Breakfast with the Stars event
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Desert Safari with a traditional Arabian banquet (all food & drink included)
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Invitation to an exclusive Racing Breaks Drinks Evening with Frankie Dettori & other special guests
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Tickets to the Dubai World Cup
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Return racecourse transfers
All you have to do is answer the following question by Sunday, August 16.
Terms and Conditions
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The winners will be drawn at random after the closing date. Competition closes at midnight on Sunday, August 16.
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Prize non-transferable for cash or alternative racing package
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Flight restricted and to be confirmed in due course
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Prize based on two people sharing one room
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Racing Breaks Terms and Conditions apply to this booking - please read
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The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to.
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If for any reason the winner cannot accept a prize or cannot be contacted, Racing TV is entitled to re-draw and award the prize to another entrant.
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Applicants must be over 18.
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There is no cash or other alternative to the prize stated and the prize is not transferable and no part of the prize may be substituted for other benefits, items or additions.
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Only one entry per completion/prize draw, per applicant.
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The competition is not open to Racing TV staff, employees, agencies or other persons associated with the competition.
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Information and data ("personal data") which is provided by entrant when entering a competition or prize draw, or participate in a vote or poll, will be held by Racing TV and may be used by Racing TV for the purposes of administering the vote or poll, or administering and fulfilling the competition or prize draw. We will only send you marketing messages if you indicate that you consent (e.g. by "opting-in") to receiving such messages.
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Racing TV will only send you marketing messages if you indicate your consent to receiving such messages by opting-in by indicating this by ticking the required tick-box when entering the competition.
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Promoter: Racing TV, Gillingham House, 38-44 Gillingham Street, London, SW1V 1HU
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