Frankie Dettori rocketed to the 200th Group One success of his career as he guided Olympic Glory to an impressive triumph in the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury.
Given a patient ride with Montiridge and Top Notch Tonto racing prominently in the mile showpiece, Dettori - winning the Lockinge for the fourth time - produced the Richard Hannon-trained colt to perfection after being widest of the runners over a furlong out. The response was immediate when the 11-8 favourite was asked to quicken and he soon went clear.
Andrew Balding's Tullius ran a fine race in second to finish two-and-a-quarter lengths away. Verrazano ran on well to take third on his first start for Aidan O'Brien.
Dettori said: "I was thinking there would be no pace and it would be complicated, but it was just as easy as riding work. He quickened like a true champion. His form is rock-solid and he goes on any ground. He's a great ride, has a great kick and is a jockey's dream. I was on the best horse and I could go wherever I wanted."
Of his landmark 200th win at the top level, the Italian added: "I've been stuck on 199 for a while. It's a great achievement."
Winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Qipco British Champions Day, the Sheikh Joaan Al Thani-owned Olympic Glory had last been seen finishing ninth of 10 to American superstar Wise Dan in the Breeders' Cup Mile.
Hannon said: "I felt some pressure today, after the disappointment of the Breeders' Cup, but to see him travel and win like that is hugely encouraging.
"He doesn't need soft ground, but he goes on a softer surface as well, which is very encouraging.
"Frankie must be delighted, he gets on very well with the horse. He did it comfortably and we'll look at Royal Ascot, the Sussex, the Jacques le Marois and we'll pick and choose."
Sheikh Joaan donated his prize money for the race to Jack Berry House, the Injured Jockeys Fund's second rehabilitation centre. Winnings from 20 of the sheikh's Al Shaqab horses will go to the fund this season to help it to a £3.1 million target for the new building.
The Sheikh owns Olympic Glory's stablemate Toronado, winner of last year's Sussex Stakes. Hannon said: "Olympic Glory is in the Queen Anne and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, and Toronado is in there as well. We'll just wait and see. We can't keep the two horses apart forever, so they will meet on the track one day.
"This horse likes it softer, while Toronado is a fast-ground horse and has more speed … these horses don't come along very often and it's nice to run and enjoy them."
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