Legendary Jockey Frankie Dettori Hangs Up His Saddle After Historic Breeders' Cup Ride
Frankie Dettori, one of the most iconic jockeys in racing history, has announced his retirement from American racing following Saturday's Breeders' Cup card at Del Mar. The 54-year-old Italian, who is known for his incredible longevity and versatility, initially intended to retire after the 2023 season in Britain but instead chose to continue riding in the United States for another two years.
Dettori has now called time on his American racing career, stating that this year's Breeders' Cup will be his last ride before fulfilling a long-held ambition to ride in South America. In a heartfelt statement on social media, he expressed gratitude to his family, owners, trainers, and staff who have supported him throughout his illustrious career.
With over four decades of experience at the highest level of racing, Dettori has amassed an incredible résumé that includes numerous championship titles, British Classic wins, and victories in some of the world's most prestigious events. He is perhaps best known for his memorable "Magnificent Seven" run at Ascot in 1996, where he won all seven races at huge odds.
Dettori's American campaign has been just as successful, with notable victories including the Santa Anita Handicap and wins for top trainers like Bob Baffert. However, this year's Breeders' Cup Mile will serve as his swansong before he rides off into the sunset in South America. The jockey's legacy is sure to be remembered for generations to come, and his farewell ride will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion in American racing circles.
Dettori's decision to retire marks the end of an era for American racing fans, who have been treated to some thrilling performances from the Italian veteran over the past two years. As he rides off into the sunset, Dettori can take pride in knowing that his incredible career has been marked by countless moments of glory and a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of jockeys.
Frankie Dettori, one of the most iconic jockeys in racing history, has announced his retirement from American racing following Saturday's Breeders' Cup card at Del Mar. The 54-year-old Italian, who is known for his incredible longevity and versatility, initially intended to retire after the 2023 season in Britain but instead chose to continue riding in the United States for another two years.
Dettori has now called time on his American racing career, stating that this year's Breeders' Cup will be his last ride before fulfilling a long-held ambition to ride in South America. In a heartfelt statement on social media, he expressed gratitude to his family, owners, trainers, and staff who have supported him throughout his illustrious career.
With over four decades of experience at the highest level of racing, Dettori has amassed an incredible résumé that includes numerous championship titles, British Classic wins, and victories in some of the world's most prestigious events. He is perhaps best known for his memorable "Magnificent Seven" run at Ascot in 1996, where he won all seven races at huge odds.
Dettori's American campaign has been just as successful, with notable victories including the Santa Anita Handicap and wins for top trainers like Bob Baffert. However, this year's Breeders' Cup Mile will serve as his swansong before he rides off into the sunset in South America. The jockey's legacy is sure to be remembered for generations to come, and his farewell ride will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion in American racing circles.
Dettori's decision to retire marks the end of an era for American racing fans, who have been treated to some thrilling performances from the Italian veteran over the past two years. As he rides off into the sunset, Dettori can take pride in knowing that his incredible career has been marked by countless moments of glory and a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of jockeys.
he's had an epic career, still hard to believe he's hanging up his saddle at 54 
i remember watching some of his "Magnificent Seven" run back in 96, that was insane! 
what a way for him to go out, too - the Breeders' Cup Mile will be his last ride before heading to South America 
love how humble he is about it all, just giving thanks to everyone who's supported him along the way 
. Frankie Dettori's retirement is like the end of an era...not that it's like anyone can replace him or anything. 54 years old, still racking up wins...respect. He's had a bloody good run, but I guess all good things must come to an end. Now we'll just have to watch some young kid try and fill his shoes...yeah right 
.
. I guess he's off to chase that South America dream now... but at what cost? He'll be 55 next year! Still can't believe he's retiring already 
it's crazy to think he's only 54 and still killing it on the track. I'm gonna miss watching him ride, he's like a legend in my eyes 
. It's not surprising he decided to retire now though, I mean who wouldn't want to ride in South America? 
but for us fans, it's like the end of an era, you know?
i mean, the guy's got this crazy long career and he's still performing at such a high level... it's wild to think about what could've been if he'd stayed for just one more year 
anyway, cant wait to see him take on south america next and hopefully get some new wins under his belt 
. I'm gonna miss seeing him at the tracks, but his legacy is defo in good hands 
. The dude's got some serious cred - "Magnificent Seven" still gives me chills to this day 
. And who knows, maybe he'll show up in South America and we'll get to see more of that Frankie magic 
. All the best for him as he rides off into retirement 
!
bad news alert 
another legend retires... Frankie Dettori's iconic career comes to an end, what's next for the sport? 
i mean have you seen those pics of him from 1996? he's like a superhero on horseback 
his 'magnificent seven' win is still giving me chills lol anyway i'm gonna miss watching him ride but i know he's leaving on a high note and that breeders cup mile was epic 
I mean come on Frankie Detori is basically a legend now. He's rode horses for like what, 40 years straight? That's insane! 
now we get to see him ride in south america can't wait to see more of his adventures abroad 
54 years young and still on top of the game 
. Can't believe he's moving on to South America next, what's next for him? 
... I'm gonna miss seeing him ride at Del Mar, he's always brought so much excitement to the track 
!
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