GODOLPHIN and Frankie Dettori gave Ascot a signature victory salute as the course’s gates were closed for the start of a 20-month transformation that will set a new benchmark for British racing yesterday.

Godolphin are double-handed in the Miles And Morrison October Stakes at Ascot tomorrow, with Badminton looking the team’s strongest contender.

Richard Hannon, who is going all out to land a fourth success in the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury on Saturday, has his sights set on another valuable juvenile event at Leopardstown tomorrow.

Debbie Mountain had a red-letter day at Redcar yesterday when she sent out her first winner as a trainer after five weeks with a licence.