Frankie Dettori has officially announced his retirement from race riding, bringing down the curtain on one of the most illustrious careers in sporting history.
The 54-year-old Italian jockey confirmed on social media that he will hang up his saddle following this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup in California, marking the end of his competitive career in the United States.
Dettori revealed that his final rides will take place in South America, fulfilling a lifelong ambition before stepping away from the sport for good.
“Following the Breeders’ Cup on Saturday, I will be retiring from race riding in the United States and concluding my career in South America, something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said in a heartfelt statement.
“It has been an honour to compete at the highest level of this sport for over four decades.
“I’m deeply grateful to my family, the owners, trainers, stable staff, and of course the supporters who have made my career possible.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey. Ciao.”
Dettori’s remarkable journey began more than 40 years ago, when he left Italy as a 13-year-old to pursue his dream in Britain.
His early talent was evident almost immediately, and by his late teens he was already a household name in racing circles.
Over the following decades, he became synonymous with the sport — a global ambassador as much as a jockey, renowned for his trademark flying dismounts and magnetic charisma.
Frankie Dettori has etched his name into the history of horse riding throughout his career
|
PA
Among his countless triumphs are three victories in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, seven wins in the Derby, and a historic “Magnificent Seven” at Ascot in 1996, when he won every race on the card — a feat that remains one of racing’s greatest achievements.
Dettori’s partnership with legendary horses such as Enable, Golden Horn and Stradivarius cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most gifted and enduring figures.
His career, however, has not been without turbulence.
Dettori announced at the end of 2022 that the following year would be his final season before retirement.
That plan shifted, however, when he chose to extend his farewell with a move to the United States, continuing to ride in major meetings across the Atlantic in what many described as a “victory lap” for one of racing’s most beloved personalities.
Earlier this year, Dettori faced financial challenges after being declared bankrupt following a long-running tax dispute with HMRC.
Frankie Dettori is a royal figure within the horse racing world
|
PA
Despite that setback, the veteran jockey maintained his trademark optimism and continued to ride with distinction, showing flashes of the brilliance that defined his career.
His decision to end his journey in South America brings his story full circle — one final chapter for a rider who has won more than 3,300 races worldwide and inspired generations of fans and fellow jockeys.
Dettori has spoken often of his affection for global racing and his wish to finish his career on his own terms, in a part of the world he has long admired.
For the man who made winning look effortless and celebration an art form, retirement will mark the close of an extraordinary era, one that has seen himself write his name into the very history of the sport.