In a memorable race at Ascot on Saturday, Oct. 21, Kentucky-bred King of Steel and jockey Frankie Dettori achieved a fairytale victory in the Group 1 Champion Stakes. Positioned at the back of the back early, King of Steel traveled from last to first in the late stages to register the dramatic win in Dettori’s final ride at Ascot.

As the pair approached the final furlong, King of Steel had a significant amount of ground to cover. The Kentucky-bred displayed remarkable endurance, surging to the front in the crucial final strides to defeat older horses in the prestigious race. The impressive score provided a perfect ending to Dettori’s career at the historic racetrack.

Owned by Amo Racing Limited and trained by Roger Varian, King of Steel was bred in Kentucky by Bonne Chance Farm. The gray 3-year-old colt is a $200,000 graduate of the 2021 Keeneland September Sale where he was consigned by Gainesway.

“To win this race is fantastic,” Dettori shared with the press following the race. “It was all in the script. It’s unbelievable. I don’t know how to feel. I don’t know if it’s real. It’s incredible.”

King of Steel made headlines over the summer. He won the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot in impressive fashion in June, notching the initial Group win of his career. By Wootton Bassett (GB), King of Steel is produced from the Verglas (IRE) mare Eldacar (GB). All told, King of Steel is now a winner in three of seven lifetime starts and has amassed earnings of $1,725,512.