Horse racing legend Frankie Dettori has announced that the 2023 season will be his last as a professional jockey as he will bring the curtain down on an outstanding 36-year career.
The 52-year-old has become one of sport’s most recognised names as his career has seen him ride over 3000 British winners since his first back in 1987.
The Italian has established himself as an icon of this beloved sport. His legacy, which includes winning Champion Jockey on three separate occasions and the day he rode the Magnificent Seven on Champions’ Day at Ascot in 1996, will be forever etched into the history of horse racing.
Speaking to ITV Racing about his intention to call time on his distinguished career, Dettori said: “Next year, 2023, will be my final professional year as a jockey. It's something I've been thinking about for a while.
READ MORE:
“My heart wants to carry on riding but I have to use my brain. I want to stop at the top. It has been difficult, but I think it's the right time.
“I want to stop at the top and be competitive enough to give myself, owners and my horses justice next year. I am still in the bracket of being good but it is the right time.
"I spoke to dad at length, he stopped at 51. He was very supportive. My wife and children were delighted because they didn't see me for 33 years!
"I hope I can finish my career on a big note and in one piece."
Sir AP McCoy led the tributes to Dettori, saying: "The hardest thing is knowing when to stop and Frankie is going out at the top. He is racing's Lionel Messi. You can't teach a kid to ride like Frankie Dettori."
To those unfamiliar with horse racing but perhaps familiar with Dettori’s name, that comparison from McCoy between the racing star and footballing icon Messi is the greatest and easiest way to understand just how much of an impact he has had on turf.
Former jockey and racing pundit Jason Weaver spoke to Betfred TV after Dettori made his decision on ITV.
He said: “It’s not just his ability out on the track, the connection with the public. People love him and spend time with him and how much he has given back to the sport of racing.
“[He is] one of the names you could recognise up and down the street away from racing, slightly bigger than the game dare I say.
“We should never underestimate how good a rider, a gifted rider he is. Technically and physically, and his record is just ridiculously phenomenal.
“We will struggle to replace him, we’re not going to be able to replace him, that’s what we’ve got to wake up to. He’s carried racing on his back for a long time. Racing has been good to him but he will be a big miss.”
Looking ahead to Dettori's last dance in 2023, Weaver added: “Let’s enjoy him and enjoy what has been a masterclass in the saddle for the last 30 years.”
Betfred owner and CEO Fred Done, who lost a significant amount of money on Dettori’s historical day at Ascot 26 years ago paid tribute to one of horse racing’s greatest characters.
“He’s been one of racing’s superstars and as a jockey up there with the best,” said Done.
“Although the Magnificent 7 cost me millions, it was one of the best things to ever happen to racing in this country. I wish him all the best and no doubt he will still cost me a few quid in his final season.”
As racing prepares to wave goodbye to arguably its greatest star, Dettori’s final season on the circuit will undoubtedly draw a lot more attention because now we know that it is indeed his last dance. We must savour every last one of his races because once he’s gone, we’re unlikely to see anyone race quite like him - he is one of a kind.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
