Star of Seville shines bright in French Oaks
In a bold move from trainer Gosden, Star Of Seville was herself running only nine days after being well beaten in the Investec Oaks.
Dettori always had the 16-1 chance close to the lead set by Clarmina, a pacemaker for the favourite Queen’s Jewel.
While the field compacted turning in, Dettori was able to get first run on the Musidora winner as he took her to the front.
She maintained the gallop to see off Physiocrate, with Little Nightingale third. Queen’s Jewel was never able to get in a blow.
The other British raider, Mick Channon’s Malabar, briefly looked as though she may get involved but could not get close at the business end.
Gosden said: “Frankie and I walked the track this morning and came up with a plan of what to do.
“He has ridden her beautifully and I said after we walked and planned it, ’if this works you are a genius’.
“She will have a break and then she could run the Nassau Stakes and the Prix de l’Opera.
“I don’t think she is an Arc filly, I think she is better over the mile and a quarter.
“She is a great filly, who is very strong mentally.”
On the decision to run so soon after Epsom, Gosden said: “She went very, very slowly (at Epsom) and ran for a furlong and a half up the hill and got knocked over. It was a very expensive piece of work, but she came out of it almost angry she didn’t have a race.
“I left her in the first few days (at Chantilly) and I called Lady Bamford and said ’this filly is in great form, she is back to her racing weight, please can I run her as she didn’t have a run at Epsom’.
“I said ’I know it isn’t the normal way to prepare a horse, but please can I run her’ and she was very sporting and said yes.”
Dettori said: “I feel numb, I’m still riding the wave of the Derby.
“We had a party with the yard last night and I’m still trying to understand what is happening to me. Everything went absolutely to plan.
“It went exactly as I thought, I really didn’t have to do that much. To back her up after a week to win the Prix de Diane, it’s all down to John Gosden, they all thought he was mad, but he did it.”
Dettori was euphoric in the aftermath of his Derby success and remains full of emotion.
He added: “The Derby to me was the biggest thrill I’ve ever had in racing. When I ride for him, it makes my life easy.
“I now need one more for 50 wins at Royal Ascot. His horses are on fire.”
