Frankie Dettori has declared his retirement from professional horse racing, signaling that this time it will be a permanent decision. The renowned jockey had previously announced his intention to retire in 2023 but later reversed course, opting to continue his career in the United States following a farewell ceremony at British Champions Day in Ascot.
Dettori relocated to Britain at the age of 14 to work with fellow countryman Luca Cumani in Newmarket. His inaugural victory in horse racing came aboard Lizzy Hare, a horse trained by Cumani, at Goodwood in June 1987. He gained global fame after achieving a remarkable feat of winning all seven races at Ascot in September 1996, known as the ‘Magnificent Seven’ with odds of 25,095½-1.
Throughout his career, Dettori has experienced various highs and lows, including surviving a plane crash in 2000, serving a six-month suspension for testing positive for cocaine in 2012, participating in reality television shows such as Celebrity Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, and declaring bankruptcy in March of last year.
Having based himself in the United States, Dettori has secured 129 victories, with 38 wins during a relatively quieter 2025 season. The 54-year-old jockey is set to compete in the Breeders’ Cup, where he has previously clinched 15 victories. Notably, his upcoming ride on the Japanese-trained horse Argine in the Breeders’ Cup Mile will mark his final race on American soil before retiring from professional racing.
In a recent statement, Dettori announced his retirement from race riding in the United States following the Breeders Cup, and he plans to conclude his career with a few rides in South America, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration. Expressing gratitude, he thanked his family, owners, trainers, stable staff, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his illustrious career.
With heartfelt appreciation, Frankie bid farewell to his racing career, saying, “Ciao, Frankie.”
