Frankie Dettori Hangs Up His Riding Boots in America After Historic Breeder's Cup Rides
Italian legend Frankie Dettori has announced that he will be retiring from professional race riding in the United States following Saturday's Breeders' Cup meeting at Del Mar. The 54-year-old jockey, who initially planned to call time on his British career last year, has instead spent the past two years dominating American turf with a string of impressive victories.
Dettori will ride out his final set piece in America after completing a successful campaign that saw him secure back-to-back Group One wins. In a statement posted on social media, he expressed his gratitude to family, owners, trainers, and stable staff who have supported him throughout his illustrious career spanning over four decades.
"It has been an honor to compete at the highest level of this sport for so long," Dettori said. "I'm deeply grateful to everyone who has made my career possible." He added that he will now fulfill a lifelong ambition to ride in South America, marking the end of his remarkable riding career.
Dettori's illustrious CV boasts numerous showpiece event victories, including 15 wins at Breeders' Cup, and a record-breaking 'Magnificent Seven' win in 1996. A five-time British champion, he has enjoyed countless high-profile successes with notable horses like Enable, Authorized, and Stradivarius.
His American stint, which saw him become a Grade One winner aboard Newgate in the Santa Anita Handicap, will come to an end after riding Argine in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Mile. Dettori will now bid farewell to the sport he has called home for so long, marking the end of an incredible chapter in his remarkable career.
Italian legend Frankie Dettori has announced that he will be retiring from professional race riding in the United States following Saturday's Breeders' Cup meeting at Del Mar. The 54-year-old jockey, who initially planned to call time on his British career last year, has instead spent the past two years dominating American turf with a string of impressive victories.
Dettori will ride out his final set piece in America after completing a successful campaign that saw him secure back-to-back Group One wins. In a statement posted on social media, he expressed his gratitude to family, owners, trainers, and stable staff who have supported him throughout his illustrious career spanning over four decades.
"It has been an honor to compete at the highest level of this sport for so long," Dettori said. "I'm deeply grateful to everyone who has made my career possible." He added that he will now fulfill a lifelong ambition to ride in South America, marking the end of his remarkable riding career.
Dettori's illustrious CV boasts numerous showpiece event victories, including 15 wins at Breeders' Cup, and a record-breaking 'Magnificent Seven' win in 1996. A five-time British champion, he has enjoyed countless high-profile successes with notable horses like Enable, Authorized, and Stradivarius.
His American stint, which saw him become a Grade One winner aboard Newgate in the Santa Anita Handicap, will come to an end after riding Argine in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Mile. Dettori will now bid farewell to the sport he has called home for so long, marking the end of an incredible chapter in his remarkable career.
Can't believe Frankie Dettori's hangin' up his spurs 
, what a legend! He's had some epic rides, especially with Enable 
. Gonna miss seein' him out there on the track 
i'm kinda sad to see frankie dettori hanging up his boots 
but at the same time, it's amazing how he's been able to still dominate the racing scene after 4 decades in the sport 
he's had such an incredible career, from his 'magnificent seven' win in 1996 to becoming a grade one winner in america 
what a legend! and now he gets to fulfill his lifelong dream of riding in south america 
He's had an insane ride (pun intended) in America and it's awesome that he gets to fulfill a lifelong dream by riding in South America now. I mean, who wouldn't want to explore new horizons while still doing what they love? 15 wins at Breeders' Cup is just mind-blowing, and I'm gonna miss seeing him on the track. He deserves every bit of the praise he's getting for an incredible career! 
I mean, he's only 54 and still dominating the turf! what changed his mind though? was it something about american racing or did he just feel ready to retire in general? i feel like he left british racing a bit too soon to be honest 
anyway, congrats to him on an amazing career and good luck with his next adventure in south america 
he came out of nowhere and dominated the American turf scene like a boss 
I'm sad to see him hang up his riding boots but what a way to go out - making it happen down in South America 
anyway, it's gonna be weird not seeing him on the track anymore but you can't blame a guy for chasing his dreams and fulfilling his lifelong ambition 
idk wut am supposta say cuz i'm a die hard Frankie fanboy for life lol 
! He's had an AMAZING run, especially in the States, scoring some serious Group One wins 
. Now he gets to live out his dream of riding in South America 
. he's had an incredible career, but it's clear he's fulfilled his lifelong ambitions and now it's time for him to move on to the next chapter of life... and that's often the hardest part 
. His decision to hang up his riding boots after dominating American turf with impressive victories can be seen as a natural culmination of his illustrious four-decade-long career in the sport 
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. It will be interesting to see how he navigates his new ambition to ride in South America, marking the end of an incredible chapter in his remarkable career 
.
he's had some insane wins and i gotta give it to him, he's earned the right to ride off into the sunset 
all these Group One wins and Breeders Cup Mile victories, man... what a career 
. I mean, he's been doing what he loves for over 40 years and now he gets to pursue another dream in South America... it's inspiring, but also kinda sad at the same time 
I mean, what's next for him? Riding in South America like he mentioned? Will we see him taking on new challenges or maybe even owning his own stable? The possibilities are endless 
anyway, i guess it's all good for him, he gettin to ride in south america now 