The European trio, which also included Olivier Peslier and Adrie de Vries, held on to beat The Girls 69-68.

Over 29,000 people packed into the Berkshire track to witness the world’s most famous team racing event.

And Nick Smith, head of communications and international racing at Ascot, said: “It was a tremendous finish to Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup day.

“Our congratulations to the European team but a special mention must go to The Girls who pushed them all the way.

“Our official betting partner, Winning Post, helped put the teams together and we’ve ended up with the most competitive renewal ever with all teams managing to get onto the scoreboard.” Dettori may have only scored three points for a fifth place finish, but they were vital as his team hung on.

He said: “Thank goodness for the other two, but in truth we did have the most experienced team.

“Olivier has been my good friend for more than 20 years. He’s just a wonderful natural jockey and cooler than a cucumber when it mattered.

“Adrie is so talented and as nice a guy as you will meet. He’s a world class jockey, even if he isn’t so well known here as Olivier.

“That’s the great thing about the Shergar Cup, it gives people the chance to see these top riders. It’s great fun for us and I hope it’s great fun to watch.” Frenchman Peslier won the Silver Saddle for best rider with 42 points, edging out Canadian Emma-Jayne Wilson (40).

After two wins and a close second place, Wilson beamed: “I couldn’t describe how happy I am.

“It’s been an absolutely magnificent day and I hope everybody out there, including all the girls here, enjoyed it.

“I was so close but that’s what horse racing is all about. A good fight to the finish keeps the crowd cheering and I hope everybody had as much fun as I did. I couldn’t have asked for more.

“To be beaten by one point when we were rank outsiders was just magnificent.

“The girls are just as good as the boys, even though we’ve been beaten by one point. I hope we showcased that enough.

“I feel really privileged to have had the success I had at Ascot on Saturday.”