Stradivarius became the first horse to win successive Ascot Gold Cups since Yeats won his fourth in 2009 on Thursday.
It was a memorable day for Frankie Dettori who won the first four races at Royal Ascot.
The Italian kicked off his day with Al’Ali in the Norfolk Stakes for Simon Crisford, before winning the Hampton Court aboard the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Sangarius and the Ribblesdale Stakes with John Gosden’s Star Catcher.
It was then all eyes on the Gold Cup, where Dettori again emerged victorious through Gosden’s defending champion Stradivarius.
In winning his seventh successive race, Stradivarius created his own little piece of history. For once Dettori appeared to be in the wrong place as he was stuck behind horses, with Dee Ex Bee still in front alongside Master Of Reality, but as soon as a gap appeared the chestnut was through it like a shot.
Dee Ex Bee battled back for second, just pipping Master Of Reality.
“What a horse, he got me out of trouble,” said Dettori. “He’s the horse for the big occasion and people love him.
“It’s great for everyone connected with the horse – every time he runs he delivers.”
Asked if he could go through the card, he replied: “I did it in 1996, so you never know.”
