Frankie Dettori looking forward to 2018 campaign with Enable
Dual Classic, King George and Arc heroine to race on.
Frankie Dettori has spoken of his delight at the news his “filly of a lifetime” Enable will stay in training next season.
John Gosden’s charge has enjoyed a fantastic three-year-old campaign, winning the English, Irish and Yorkshire Oaks, as well as producing spectacular performances to beat the boys in the King George at Ascot and, most recently, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Chantilly.
In the immediate aftermath of her French victory Gosden was keen on the idea of the daughter of Nathaniel staying in training and after deliberating for a week, owner Khalid Abdullah has confirmed she will continue in 2018, with a second Arc bid at a renovated Longchamp high on the agenda.
A statement issued by Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms read: “Prince Khalid bin Abdullah is pleased to announce that Enable will stay in training for 2018.
“Her racing programme will be decided in the New Year, but the defence of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe will be high in consideration.”
Dettori has partnered Enable to each of her six triumphs this season and is relishing the prospect of getting back on board the star filly next year.
He told Press Association Sport: “I’m very pleased and grateful to Prince Khalid for keeping her in training because, to me, she is a filly of a lifetime.
“What she has achieved this year has been nothing short of sensational. I’m looking forward to having her back next year so we can have another crack at going for the Arc and all the other big races.
“She is the best filly I have ridden. She won five Group Ones, including two Classics, and she didn’t just win them, she won them amazingly. I think the racing fans will look forward to seeing her race next year, including me, as I’m her biggest fan.
“I didn’t have to say very much. John Gosden knows the filly better than I do and he spoke to Prince Khalid and came to the decision.”
Officials at Ascot welcomed the news, with the Berkshire track’s Director of Racing and Communications Nick Smith hoping Enable will return to Berkshire next summer to defend her King George crown.
He said: “It’s obviously great news Enable stays in training and you would have to think the King George would be one of the serious options her connections would look at.
“I think connections of Cracksman have already said the King George will be a big target for him, so it could potentially be the first time we’ll see Enable versus Cracksman, which would be exciting.”
