Frankie Dettori Bids a Final Farewell to Racing After the Breeders’ Cup
It’s truly the end of an era in horse racing as the legendary jockey Frankie Dettori has confirmed that he will retire from riding in the United States after this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar, California. The 54-year-old Italian icon, who has been one of the sport’s most recognizable and charismatic figures for nearly four decades, says this time the retirement will be for real — though he plans a few farewell rides in South America before hanging up his boots for good.
Dettori first announced his retirement back in 2022, planning to end his career in Britain after the 2023 season. But in classic Frankie fashion, he changed course, deciding instead to extend his time in the saddle by taking his talent to the United States. For the past two years, he’s been based there, first on the West Coast and later in Florida, continuing to collect wins and thrill fans just as he’s done throughout his incredible career.
In a heartfelt post shared on social media, Dettori wrote, “Following the Breeders’ Cup on Saturday, I will be retiring from race riding in the United States and concluding my career with a few rides in South America — something I’ve always wanted to do. It has been an honour to compete at the highest level of this sport for over four decades. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey. Ciao, Frankie.”
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Over the course of his dazzling career, Dettori has achieved just about everything a jockey could dream of. He’s won 23 British Classics , claimed 15 Breeders’ Cup victories , and made global headlines with his “Magnificent Seven” at Ascot in 1996, when he won all seven races on a single card — a feat that has never been matched. He’s also been associated with some of the greatest racehorses of modern times, including Enable , the dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, and Stradivarius , one of the finest stayers of his generation.
Even after decades in the sport, Dettori continued to ride winners at the highest level, securing victories in major races across continents. His last British race came at Ascot’s Champions Day in 2023 , where he fittingly bowed out with two wins before making the move to the U.S.
Now, as he prepares for his final Breeders’ Cup, Dettori will ride several horses, including the Japanese-trained Argine in the Breeders’ Cup Mile — his last Grade One ride. When the dust settles in Del Mar, it will mark the close of one of the most extraordinary chapters in racing history.
Few athletes have combined skill, personality, and longevity quite like Frankie Dettori. His trademark flying dismounts, infectious smile, and unrelenting passion for racing have made him not just a champion, but a global ambassador for the sport. And while he may be saying “Ciao” to the track, his legacy will continue to gallop on for generations to come.
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