Inspiral oozes class to give Dettori a 500th victory at his home track

Group 1s can often be hard to come by, but not for Cheveley Park’s Inspiral. She oozed class to win the Virgin Bet Sun Chariot Stakes on another memorable day for Frankie Dettori.

Fresh from winning the Jacques le Mairos in August, Inspiral eased to success on the Rowley Mile to land her fifth career Group 1, and in doing so gave her jockey Frankie Dettori a 500th winner at his home track.

Dettori settled his mount just behind the pace and as the race progressed, it was becoming clear that Inspiral was a class above. Frankie angled her to the far-side rail to lead three furlongs out, and within a matter of strides put the race to bed. As they hit the dip, there was little for Dettori to do as Inspiral stretched clear.

The retiring jockey was delighted to be aboard such a class filly in Inspiral for his 500th win at the track, and after 38 years of living in Newmarket, he’s certainly made home comforts count.

The jockey said: “When I got to 499 last week, I thought at least I’ve got Inspiral to look forward to as I know she’ll be thereabouts. Newmarket’s been my home for 38 years so it’s great, no it’s fantastic, to be able to do it in a Group 1 and on a special filly. I couldn’t have written a better ending.

His final European racecourse appearance will be at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions Day, Saturday 21st October, and Inspiral may join him. She holds an entry in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Sponsored by QIPCO), but her training pair of John and Thady Gosden may have other targets in their sights.