'Of course' - Frankie Dettori makes Royal Ascot admission ahead of final farewell

Royal Ascot has always been a place to be seen, this year though perhaps it's more about who won't be here, rather than who is. Racing lost its greatest patron with the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year and will lose its greatest showman when Frankie Dettori finally calls time on his career this autumn.

It's 34 years since an unknown 18-year-old Italian had his first ride at the meeting, 77 winners later - putting him second to only the legendary Lester Piggott on the all-time list - and it's hard to accept this weekend is the end of that era.

Even more so when you consider that Dettori is still at the top of his game, Classic wins at Newmarket and Epsom in recent weeks prompting some to question why the 52-year-old - who has never been a fan of the quiet life - is calling it quits.

READ MORE: Royal Ascot tips: Modern Games and Australian raider best bets on day one

However, prudence dictates and reality demands that racing should be a head over heart business but imagine the scenes if Dettori rides Wolferton Stakes favourite Saga, a horse now owned by The King, to glory in the silks the late Monarch loved to cheer to victory, something she achieved 24 times at the meeting she adored more than any other.

“It’s very hard to let go when you’ve been doing this for 30 plus years but nothing can last forever," said Dettori. “It’s going to hit me the last day, I’m dreading Saturday. My family is going to be there, and I will know it’s the end.

"Of course, I will cry. I’m not even going to pretend that I’m not going to, I’ve already been crying a lot in the last few weeks. I’ve loved every second of it but it’s time. It’s not going to be easy, my heart doesn’t want to stop but my brain says it’s enough.

"The first four