Frankie Dettori has announced he will retire from horse racing after the Breeders' Cup meeting in Del Mar, California, on Saturday, with a few final rides in South America to follow. The 54-year-old jockey first declared his retirement in December 2022, but reversed his decision to race in the US. Now, he says the time has come to bow out.
In a statement, Dettori said: '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, Frankie.'
Dettori's career began in Italy in 1986, and he rode his first winner in Britain a year later. He became champion jockey in the UK three times, and his place in history was secured in 1996 when he rode all seven winners at Ascot. He was also the regular rider of champions Enable and Stradivarius.
His final Grade One ride will be aboard Argine in the Breeders' Cup Mile on Saturday. He also rides Khaadem and Wimbledon Hawkeye, both winners last time out. Dettori's career has included a plane crash in 2000, a six-month ban for a positive cocaine test in 2012, and recent bankruptcy filings over a tax dispute.
