Frankie Dettori says he will retire from riding in the United States after the Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar, California, on Saturday.
The 54-year-old Italian jockey had initially announced his retirement in 2022 but later changed his mind and moved to the US, where he has been based for the past two years.
Posting on social media, Dettori confirmed he will retire completely after riding in a few races in South America.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey,” he wrote on X. “It has been an honour to compete at the highest level of this sport for over four decades. I’m deeply grateful to my family, the owners, trainers, stable staff, and of course the supporters who have made my career possible.”
Dettori will ride Argine in the Breeders’ Cup this weekend, which begins at 23:05 GMT.
He has 15 Breeders’ Cup wins to his name, most recently with Inspiral in 2023. His farewell to British racing came at Champions Day at Ascot in 2023, where he celebrated a double victory with King Of Steel and Trawlerman.
Despite his plans, there remains a possibility of a brief UK return next year, as he is signed up to participate in a global jockeys’ league in 2026.
Dettori, who was awarded an MBE in 2001, began his career with his first win in Italy in 1986 and another in Britain the following year, later becoming champion apprentice in 1989. He was British champion jockey three times — in 1994, 1995, and 2004 — and won 23 British Classics. His most famous achievement came in 1996, when he rode all seven winners on a single day at Ascot.
Earlier this year, he filed for bankruptcy after failing to settle a tax dispute with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.
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