Frankie Dettori has officially declared his retirement from horse racing, marking this decision as final. The renowned jockey had previously considered stepping away from the sport in 2023 but later changed his mind, opting to continue his career in the United States after a farewell event at British Champions Day in Ascot.
Dettori relocated to the UK at the age of 14 to join trainer Luca Cumani in Newmarket. His racing journey began with a victory aboard Lizzy Hare, a horse trained by Cumani, at Goodwood in June 1987. He gained global recognition following his historic achievement of riding all seven winners at Ascot in September 1996, known as the ‘Magnificent Seven’.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dettori faced various challenges, including surviving a plane crash in 2000, serving a six-month suspension for a positive cocaine test in 2012, and experiencing financial difficulties leading to bankruptcy in March of the following year. Despite these obstacles, he continued to excel in the sport, especially during his time in the US, where he secured 129 wins, including 38 victories in a less active 2025 season.
As he prepares for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup, where he has previously triumphed 15 times, Dettori will bid farewell to US racing with his final ride aboard Argine, a horse trained in Japan. In a recent statement, Dettori announced his retirement plans, expressing gratitude to his family, owners, trainers, stable staff, and fans who have supported him throughout his remarkable four-decade career.
After the Breeders’ Cup, Dettori intends to wrap up his racing career with a few rides in South America, fulfilling a longstanding aspiration. He concluded his message by thanking everyone who contributed to his incredible journey with a heartfelt farewell, signing off with a simple “Ciao, Frankie.”