Prix de la Foret: Frankie Dettori denied fairytale ParisLongchamp farewell as Kinross is beaten by Kelina

There was no fairytale farewell for Frankie Dettori on Arc Day at ParisLongchamp, as smiles turned to frustration after the stewards’ chamber drama.

His final ride in the mile-and-a-half showpiece took place aboard Free Wind, but with the John and Thady Gosden-trained mare in double figures against a big favorite in Ace Impact, victory always seemed unlikely.

And so it proved, as Free Wind, after following closely on the leaders’ heels in the early stages, struggled in the sprint to the line and remained well behind the brilliant winner Ace Impact in 13th place.

Dettori, who plans to hang up his saddle after riding at the Hong Kong International Meeting in December, names the winner of six Arcs, making him the most successful rider in the race’s glorious history.

“I had no pressure today, I didn’t feel it,” Dettori said.

“I got a nice spot behind Westover, I knew he was going to take me there. When he got to the straight they accelerated a little bit and left me there, but I really enjoyed it. The Arc is a great race for me, it was a great race for me.” It’s been a good journey, but I’m leaving with a smile on my face.”

Dettori denied when the stewards rejected Foret’s appeal

Dettori’s smile quickly turned to frustration after a dramatic finish in the Prix de la Foret, the final Group 1 race on the schedule.

The Italian, favorite Kinross ahead of Ralph Beckett, looked to be disadvantaged by winner Kelina when rival jockey Maxime Guyon crossed their path.

Dettori quickly jumped from his horse and headed to the stewards’ room, where officials scrutinized the struggle but decided the score would stand as agreed.