Frankie Dettori has opened up about the emotional challenge of retiring from race-riding, describing it as "difficult" as he prepares for his final competitive outing at Gavea racecourse in Brazil this Sunday. The iconic 55-year-old jockey will take four rides during the event, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary career that has spanned over three decades.
A Career of Unparalleled Achievement
Dettori reflected on his remarkable journey in the saddle during an interview with Jockey Club Brasileiro, acknowledging that stepping away from the sport he loves will be a significant personal challenge. "I will feel emotional but I mentally prepare myself for the next chapter," Dettori confessed. "It's going to be difficult, I'm not going to lie, I'm going to miss it but I'm 55 and I've got an opportunity to have another career."
The Statistics of Success
The Italian-born jockey's career statistics speak volumes about his dominance in British racing. During his 35-year career in Britain, Dettori achieved:
- Three champion jockey titles
- 23 British Classic winners
- Six victories in the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
- An astonishing 287 Group One wins
September 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of his legendary 'Magnificent Seven' achievement at Ascot, where he won every race on the card - a feat that remains unparalleled in British racing history.
The Retirement U-Turn and International Adventure
Dettori admitted that his initial retirement announcement in 2023 was premature, calling it a "mistake" in hindsight. "When I retired in England, it was too early," he revealed. "I wanted to carry on so I moved to America. I loved it. I did California, Florida, New York... it has been exploring new tracks and riding with different jockeys."
This international chapter saw Dettori competing across the United States, describing the experience as both "scary and exciting." His global journey has taken him to racecourses in 30 different countries, with Brazil representing the final destination in his riding career.
The Secret to Longevity
As he prepares for his final rides - beginning with Tutifruti in the Grande Premio Henrique Possolo (20.40 GMT) and concluding with Nidavellir in the Premio Courageuse (23.00 GMT) - Dettori revealed the personal characteristic that has sustained his career for so long.
"I'm a person who gets bored really quickly," Dettori explained. "My wife tells me I have no patience, it's why I always have to move to keep my mind fresh for a new challenge. That's the secret to why I have lasted this long, because I have challenged myself for so many years."
Looking to the Future
Dettori emphasized that he had promised himself he would ride in Brazil before retiring, though previous commitments had prevented this until now. "I wanted to fit it in before I called it a day," he stated, ensuring his South American appearance would complete his international racing journey.
Following his retirement from competitive riding, Dettori will transition to a new role as global brand ambassador for Amo Racing, an organization with which he has enjoyed Group One success while wearing their silks. This move represents the "next chapter" he has been mentally preparing for, allowing him to remain connected to the sport while exploring new professional challenges.
The racing world will watch with particular interest this Sunday as one of the sport's most charismatic and successful figures takes his final competitive rides, bringing down the curtain on a career that has redefined what's possible in British and international horse racing.
