It was on 28 September 1996 that Dettori rode his 'magnificent seven' at the Berkshire course, making history in the process.

His 25,095-1 accumulator may not have granted Dettori too many friends among the bookmakers, but the punters loved it.

One lucky gambler won more than �500,000 and Dettori's efforts were calculated to have cost the betting industry more than �30m.

But that day alone is not the sole reason for Dettori's love affair with Ascot.

In 1990 the Italian became the first teenager since Lester Piggott to ride 100 winners in a season.

And it was a tally that included Dettori's first Group One winner as he landed the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Mark of Distinction.

It has proved a lucky race for Frankie and he added further victories in 1996 and 1999 aboard Mark of Esteem and Dubai Millennium.

The King George and the Ascot Gold Cup have also proved profitable.

Lammtarra ('95), Swain ('98) and Daylami ('99) have claimed King George glory, while Drum Taps enjoyed back-to-back victories in the Gold Cup in '92 and '93.

Injury following a plane crash ruled Dettori out of last year's Royal meeting but he is sure to have a stream of quality rides ready to deliver his desire for success back at Ascot.