Whilst I accept that Frankie Dettori is one of the few racing figures who appeals to the wider public, I confess I have always found his jack-in-the-box antics and flying dismount stuff a bit wearing.
Still each to his own and even an old cynic such as me was moved by his performance in the Arc yesterday. I thought Frankie cocked up the only time Golden Horn got beaten, with his pacemaker actually aiding Arabian Queen, the filly that ended the Derby winner's unbeaten run.
Yesterday Frankie made up for it in spades. Drawn in the car park he conducted a brilliant manoeuvre to ensure Golden Horn was in the perfect position after 3 furlongs, ironically this time benefitting from Treve's pacemaker.
With his broad appeal beyond racing and his comeback from the dark days of a ban for taking cocaine, there is certainly an entertaining back story to Frankie's successes this year.
I have just checked the betting for BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY), and Jennifer Ennis-Hill (10/11 favourite), Chris Froome, Lewis Hamilton and Andy Murray (joint 8/1 second favourites) head the market. All worthy candidates with significant achievements.
The problem with SPOTY is that the winner often seems to miss the 'personality' bit of the award - Nigel Mansell, Steve Davis anyone?
Frankie fits the personality bill and you can still back him at 100/1 this morning. Might be worth a small each way punt.
One thing I can certainly guarantee is that the winner will not be a rugby player.
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