It is one of British horseracing’s most enduring images - jockey Frankie Dettori leaping from a horse with his arms outstretched and a huge grin on his face after riding an unprecedented seven straight winners on the same day at Ascot.
Sixteen years after that unforgettable day in September 1996, the Italian will get the chance today to create more memories at the same famous English racecourse.
Dettori will climb aboard the retired Monsignor, a two-time winner at the Cheltenham Festival, and carry the Olympic torch on a circuit of the parade ring at Ascot.
“It makes it even more special to be carrying the torch at Ascot, the place that made history for me,” Dettori told The Associated Press. “There are so many inspirational people carrying the flame, and to be grouped with such heroes is both an honour and a privilege.”
Dettori acknowledges that he turned from being a just another jockey to a “household name” by achieving what is now known as “The Magnificent Seven” in 1996 on Champion’s Day.
On a highly competitive card at one of British racing’s biggest meets, he pulled off the seven-in-a-row feat at odds of more than 25,000-1.
He completed it on Fujiyama Crest, winning by a neck. Moments later, Dettori performed a flying dismount off the 2-1 shot - and a new star was born.
Dettori is now arguably British racing’s biggest name. He has won 10 Breeders’ Cup races and recently won another two races at Royal Ascot to close in on 500 graded or group stakes winners.
Next week is the closest he will come to being an Olympian, and he is overjoyed to be involved in the London Games in some way.
Monsignor is an 18-year-old gelding who won eight of 10 starts over hurdles, including races at Cheltenham in 1999 and 2000. He was the first horse to beat Best Mate, a three-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and one of Britain’s greatest horses.
Dettori won’t be the first person to carry the flame on horseback in the 70-day torch relay that culminates at the opening ceremony on July 27.
Zara Phillips, the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II and a member of Britain’s equestrian team for the Olympics, brought the torch to Cheltenham on her horse, Toytown.
About 8,000 people are taking part in the 8,000-mile (12,875-kilometre) relay around Britain and Ireland.