Richard Hughes achieves a “Magnificent Seven”
On the 28th September 1996, Frankie Dettori, at odds of 20,095-1 rode seven winners on seven horses in the seven races of the day at Ascot. His achievement cost the betting industry some £40 million and became known as the “Magnificent Seven.” Dettori even named his Chelsea restaurant, Sette, after it. One punter, a plumber from Morecambe named Darren Yates won £550,000 on a stake of £67.58 and forever more this will be recalled as a moment in racing history.
Yesterday, another jockey, Richard Hughes, at odds of 10,168-1, rode seven winners in eight races at Windsor.
Of his success, Hughes, who has ridden 161 winners this season, commented:
“I’m over the moon. It’s great to do it… Windsor is my lucky track, and this is a great day… What a thrill. This is a great day.”
Unlike with Dettori’s “Magnificent Seven,” the bookies were relatively happy too. Kate Miller, a spokesperson for William Hill stated:
“That was probably the cheapest seven-timer ever for the bookies… The last time a high-profile jockey rode a big seven-timer it cost us £7million, so we’re very grateful that Richard timed his on a quiet Monday. We’ll pay out around £100,000 but the figure could easily have been 10 times that if he’d chosen this Saturday instead.”
All at The Steeple Times raise a glass to Mr Hammond on his brilliant achievement.
Sette, 4 Sydney Street, London, SW3 6PP. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7352 3435. Website: http://www.sette-restaurant.com
Follow Richard Hughes on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/hughesiejockey