Frankie Dettori to retire from racing in Britain at Ascot Racecourse this weekend

Arguably the world’s most famous jockey, Frankie Dettori, is set to bring down the curtain on his illustrious racing career in Britain at the QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday, October 21.

Dettori, 52, is retiring from racing – at least on these shores – having given fans a lifetime of memories from more than three decades in the saddle.

A dazzling talent, he burst onto the British racing scene in 1985 as a 15-year-old, going on to be crowned Champion Jockey three times and has won almost every major prize in the global horseracing calendar including each of the five British Classics multiple times. In 2016 he reached 3,000 winners aboard Predilection at Newmarket’s July racecourse and has since gone on to win a further 365 British races, putting him firmly in the top five of the allcomers list of British based flat jockeys. One of his most celebrated achievements was riding all seven winners of British Festival of Racing Day at Ascot Racecourse on 28th September 1996.

While he is retiring from racing in Britain, he is planning to temporarily relocate to America where he plans to continue riding on the international circuit.

Speaking last week, Dettori, said: “I am simply not ready to retire completely. I’m still enjoy riding and want to carry on for a while on the international circuit.

“I have had the most amazing career (based in the UK), and head to British Champions Day (October 21st) with some brilliant rides. This will mark my final day riding in Britain, after which I will head to America for the Breeders’ Cup and then Melbourne for the Carnival.

“The current plan is to return to ride at Santa Anita in the States at the end of the year. How long I continue race riding overseas and where my American journey takes me, no one can predict but I welcome the challenge in this new chapter.”

The Italian born jockey has experienced the most remarkable farewell season to end his inspiring career in British racing. Most recently, Dettori achieved a phenomenal 500 winners at Newmarket Racecourse, his home track, winning the Grade 1 Sun Chariot Stakes aboard Inspiral for John and Thady Gosden. See career stats here.

Rod Street, Chief Executive of Great British Racing and QIPCO British Champions Series said, “Frankie has been gift to British racing. He has transcended our sport in a way that few people have and has performed at an elite level for over 30 years. To be at the top of your game as a sportsperson, spanning four decades, is a remarkable feat and few athletes have that longevity.

“弗兰基一直把星尘的轨道and his ability to help racing reach new audiences is immeasurable. We are incredibly grateful to him for everything he has done for our sport over the years.”

The QIPCO British Champions Day on Saturday brings an end to the Flat racing season and Dettori’s extraordinary career in this country.