Frankie Dettori Announces Retirement from Racing

Frankie Dettori will retire from racing after this weekend's Breeders' Cup at Del Mar, concluding his career with a farewell South American tour.

What prompted the decision?

Dettori, 54, had initially retired in 2023 but changed his mind and moved to California to extend his career. He has won 15 Breeders' Cup races, including two Derby wins, and has been based at Santa Anita for the past two years.

Career highlights

In 2024, Dettori rode 81 winners, picking up $13.65m in prize money, and this year he has won 38 races for $7.76m. He has five rides at the Breeders' Cup, including British runners Wimbledon Hawkeye and Khaadem.

What's next for Frankie Dettori?

Dettori will conclude his career in South America, something he has always wanted to do, and has expressed gratitude to his family, owners, trainers, and supporters. He filed for bankruptcy in March after a long-running battle with the tax authorities. Dettori's two years in the US have been productive, but he has never won a Breeders' Cup race at Del Mar.

Legacy

Frankie Dettori's retirement marks the end of an era for the sport, with a career spanning over four decades and numerous achievements. He has been an honour to compete at the highest level, and his supporters will miss him. Dettori's farewell tour will be an opportunity for fans to see him in action one last time. He has won 15 Breeders' Cup races and has been a two-time Derby-winning jockey. Dettori's career has been marked by 81 winners in 2024 and $13.65m in prize money.