The plan comes together as marvellous Mostahdaf lands the Juddmonte International

Day One of the Sky Bet Ebor Festival featured one of the most popular horses in training, Paddington, but it was Mostahdaf who ended the stars winning run, to make all and win the Juddmonte International for John & Thady Gosden

It’s yet another big moment for superstar jockey, Frankie Dettori who was on board to deliver a brave ride in the Shadwell colours who were winning the race for a second year running, after Baaeed’s dominance in 2022.

After Mostahdaf’s stunning performance in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes just six weeks previous, many wouldn’t have seen this front-running performance coming against one of the best. The pair were at their best to set a strong pace which was sustained to leave stablemate Nashwa in second, odds-on Paddington in third, and The Foxes back in fourth.

It was a team effort

Dettori said: “It was a team effort. I’m very sorry for Jim, who is suspended, as this is his ride. He helped me out a lot with the characteristics of the horse. 

“I spoke to John at length and studied his replays and I thought there’s only one way to beat Paddington and that’s by making it a proper gallop, so I did. Full credit to the horse, he was superb today.

With regular Shadwell rider, Jim Crowley on the sidelines, Dettori proved to be the perfect partner to win a record sixth Juddmonte International. Of the feat, he added: “To be the first man to win six Internationals, I’m very proud, and to beat the great Lester Piggott. It’s my last year and to finish on a high like this is amazing.”