In a surprising twist, veteran jockey Frankie Dettori has done an about-face on his retirement plans and is now set to gallop into a new chapter of his career in the United States. The 52-year-old riding sensation, with over 3,300 winners under his belt, is packing his saddlebags and heading to sunny California. While he still intends to bid adieu to British racing at the grand stage of British Champions Day at Ascot on October 21, it seems he’s not ready to hang up his riding boots just yet.
“I’ve still got the fire inside me that I want to do it a little bit more,” Dettori revealed during a chat with BBC Breakfast. This announcement comes as a shock to many, as he had initially declared late in 2022 that the current season would be his swan song in the world of horse racing. His final races were anticipated to be in Melbourne and Hong Kong, following the Ascot event.
However, a year filled with resounding victories, including triumphs at the 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks, and the Ebor, has reignited his passion for the sport. “I don’t feel ready to let go yet,” the Italian-born jockey confessed. He’s now planning to spend some quality time in the USA, and as for how long, well, that’s anyone’s guess. “I could be there three months or three years, I don’t know,” he added. A decision like this wasn’t taken lightly, as it involved careful consideration with his wife, given the significant move to another country.
Dettori has set his sights on a new base in Santa Anita, northeast Los Angeles, starting next year. One of his dreams is to participate in the legendary Kentucky Derby in May. Additionally, he’s eyeing big events in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, so horse racing fans on both sides of the Atlantic can still look forward to witnessing his incredible skills.
For those who might be wondering, “Is this the farewell that never ends?” Frank Keogh from Sport News Center provides an insightful analysis. Dettori, a true showman in the world of flat racing, became a household name after his historic Magnificent Seven at Ascot in 1996, where he rode all winners on the card at odds of 25,000-1. Throughout 2023, he’s been celebrated at various racing venues as each fixture was hailed as his last at that track. While many are thrilled that one of the sport’s all-time greats is extending his career, some have grown weary of the seemingly unending farewell tour.
Dettori, however, maintains that Ascot will indeed be his British racing swansong. Whether he’ll make a triumphant return to ride in the UK remains uncertain, leaving us with a thrilling cliffhanger in the world of horse racing.
So, folks, saddle up and stay tuned for the next exciting chapter in Frankie Dettori’s remarkable journey in the saddle!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Frankie Dettori retirement
What prompted Frankie Dettori’s decision to postpone retirement and move to the USA?
Frankie Dettori’s decision to postpone retirement and move to the USA was driven by his continued passion for horse racing, fueled by a successful year in which he achieved notable victories, including the 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks, and the Ebor. This success reignited his desire to keep riding.
Where will Frankie Dettori be based in the USA, and what are his goals?
Frankie Dettori plans to be based full-time in Santa Anita, northeast Los Angeles, starting from the beginning of the next year. His ultimate goal is to compete in the prestigious Kentucky Derby in May. He also aims to participate in major racing events in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
Is this the end of Frankie Dettori’s career in British racing?
While Frankie Dettori insists that Ascot will be his British racing swansong, whether he will return to ride in the UK again is uncertain. The decision to continue his career in the USA leaves the future open-ended.
How has Frankie Dettori been celebrated in 2023, and what’s the perception of his farewell tour?
Throughout 2023, many racing venues celebrated Frankie Dettori as each fixture was hailed as his last at that track. Some fans are delighted that one of the sport’s greats is extending his career, while others have grown weary of what seems like an unending farewell tour.
What was Frankie Dettori’s most famous achievement in horse racing?
Frankie Dettori’s most famous achievement in horse racing was his historic Magnificent Seven at Ascot in 1996, where he rode all winners on the card at incredible odds of 25,000-1. This remarkable feat made him a legendary figure in the sport.
More about Frankie Dettori retirement
- Frankie Dettori announces move to the USA
- Frankie Dettori’s career achievements
- Analysis of Frankie Dettori’s decision
- The Kentucky Derby
- Santa Anita Park
5 comments
The hype about his farewell never endin’ is real, but who’s complainin’? Keep racin’, Frankie!
Wow, Dettori’s 2023 was amazin’, he’s back on that saddle and we can’t wait for more races!
Kentucky Derby with Dettori? That’s gonna be epic, rootin’ for him all the way!
Ascot sure gonna miss him. His last race there will be a banger for sure.
Can’t believ Dettori ain’t retirin! Soo many wins, such a legend, keep thos hooves going!