US Edition
Frankie Dettori about-turns on retirement to keep riding in US
Exclusive: After a stellar season and discussion with his family, Dettori, 52, believes that he still has plenty to offer as a jockey
Frankie Dettori, who is to have his last rides in Britain on Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot in nine days’ time, has announced that he will wind his career down in America and ride on into 2024.
“I am simply not ready to retire completely,” he said. “I’m still enjoying riding and want to carry on for a while on the international circuit.”
After riding in Britain for the final time, Dettori, 52, had planned to go out with a bang at the last big international race meeting of the year, in Hong Kong, in early December having competed at the Breeders’ Cup in Santa Anita early next month and ridden in the Melbourne Cup a few days later.
However, since Chaldean unseated him in the stalls at Newbury in April, he has had a stellar season. Chaldean went on to win the 2,000 Guineas and kick-started a season where, domestically alone, he has ridden 28 winners and netted £4.5 million in prize money from just 117 rides. No other top jockey has ever got away riding so little and yet remained sharp.
Unlike last year when it all fell apart for him at Royal Ascot, he is riding without pressure and like someone enjoying himself. His successes have included the Gold Cup on Courage Mon Ami, the Oaks on Soul Sister, the Jacques Le Marois and Sun Chariot on Inspiral, who was also his 500th career winner at Newmarket. Mostahdaf, a rare ride for Shadwell, won the International and the remarkable Kinross has kept him in the limelight at his final Glorious Goodwood and York Ebor meetings.
That, coupled with the fact that he returned from a successful stint in California in the spring saying he wished he had done it earlier in his career and possibly taking inspiration from San Diego-based ‘Big Money’ Mike Smith, who continues to ride Grade One winners aged 58, has swayed him to, at least, give that another go.
In a statement the jockey, the most recognisable face in world racing, said: “I’ve had the most amazing career and head to British Champions Day with some brilliant rides [currently Courage Mon Ami, Kinross, King of Steel and Inspiral or Chaldean]. This will mark my final day riding in Britain after which I will head to the Breeders’ Cup and Melbourne.”
Speaking to Telegraph Sport, Dettori added: “The news is, after lots of speculation and talking to my wife and parents and close friends, I didn’t realise this year was going to end up like this, and so... I’m not ready to retire. I’ve still got it in me to carry on a bit longer.
“Obviously I’ve told everyone over the past year that I’d be saying my last goodbyes on the tracks, but I feel like I can do a bit more in the US. I had an absolutely amazing time there last winter. That’s it, basically.”
Aidan Butler, the British-born track chief for the Stronach group of racecourses that include Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park, which hosts the Pegasus Cup, once the richest race in the world, is delighted to welcome him back to Santa Anita, Los Angeles.
“When Frankie rang me up recently, I could tell by the tone of his voice, he wasn’t done riding yet,” he said. “Just watching him ride and win all over the world this year has been such a treat for myself and all horseracing fans.
“Frankie started his career at Santa Anita when he was 16 and we’re thrilled to have him back for his final tour. Frankie won 20 races during last year’s Winter meet including three on the opening day on Dec 26. So I’m looking forward to having Frankie back for Christmas dinner once again.”
Bookmakers will no doubt be offering odds about him riding at Royal Ascot in 2024. We thought this was the epilogue. He is talking about a ‘new chapter’. That, it appears, is not necessarily one to bet against.