Frankie Dettori has made the decision to retire from professional horse racing, marking what seems to be a definitive end to his illustrious career. The renowned jockey had previously announced plans to step away from the sport in 2023, only to reverse course and continue riding in the United States following a special send-off at British Champions Day in Ascot.
Dettori relocated to the UK at the age of 14 to join trainer Luca Cumani in Newmarket. He secured his first career win aboard Lizzy Hare, trained by Cumani, at Goodwood in June 1987. Dettori gained global recognition after achieving the remarkable feat of riding all seven winners at Ascot in September 1996, famously known as the ‘Magnificent Seven’ at odds of 25,095½-1.
Throughout his career, the three-time champion jockey has experienced various highs and lows, including surviving a plane crash in 2000, serving a suspension for a positive cocaine test in 2012, participating in reality TV shows like Celebrity Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!, and facing financial challenges leading to bankruptcy in March of last year.
Having shifted his focus to the United States, Dettori has notched 129 victories, with 38 wins during a somewhat subdued 2025 season. The 54-year-old is set to compete in seven races across two days at the upcoming Breeders’ Cup event, where he has previously achieved 15 wins. His final race on American soil will be aboard Argine, a horse from Japan, in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
In a recent statement, Dettori announced his retirement plans, revealing his intentions to wrap up his career with a few races in South America, a long-held aspiration. Expressing gratitude to his family, supporters, owners, trainers, and stable staff, Dettori thanked everyone who contributed to his successful journey in the sport.
With heartfelt appreciation, Frankie Dettori bid farewell to his racing career, signing off with a simple yet poignant message: “Ciao, Frankie.”