Legendary jockey Frankie Dettori revealed on Saturday that he plans to retire from horse racing after the 2023 season.
Dettori’s iconic 35-year career has seen him enjoy more than 3,000 wins, but the Italian said he will do his next ride next year.
The 52-year-old star, a three-time AGASO Champion, admitted that he had been thinking about retirement for some time.
“Next year, 2023, will be my last professional year as a player,” Dettori told ITV Racing.
“It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. My heart wants to ride, but I use my brain.
“I want to stop at the top. It’s difficult, but I think it’s time.”
Dettori intends to start his final season at Santa Anita on December 26.
He will last ever ride on the same California track in the Breeders’ Cup in November 2023.
That film brings together a memorable career with a horse.
“I will ride through. Obviously it will be the last Guineas, the last Derby, the last Royal Escot and then I will probably end up in Britain or Champions Day at Ascot or Newmarket,” he said.
“It will be a great success as a professional rider in California at the Breeders’ Cup.”
Dettori announced his arrival on the British racing scene with his first victory in Britain in 1987.
He is still fondly remembered for his ‘magnificent seven’ triumph at Ascot Champions in 1996 when he won all seven races on the odds.
– ‘Make a celebration’ – .
Dettori admitted that he only took the tough decision to walk away from racing after a long discussion with his family, including his father Gianfranco, a former player.
“I finally talked to Dad, he stopped by LI. He was very supportive. My wife and children were delighted that they hadn’t seen me in 33 years,” said Dettori.
“I hope I can end my life on a high note and in one piece.”
Dettori was the first teenager to ride 100 winners in a season since Lester Piggott and went on to land 21 British Classic successes.
Italy has earned fans around the world for its memorable celebra- tion.
Dettori is one of the all-time greats in association with numerous iconic horses, including dual winner Arc Active and dual Derby champions Authorized and Golden Horn.
Dettori’s decision to leave may have been prompted by a difficult time that saw him lose his role as principal John Gosden in June.
This was followed by a criticism of Dettori’s poor performance at Royal Escot by Gosden, who had long been a supporter of Italy.
Referring to the recent decline of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who parted ways with Manchester United in November, Dettori said he wants to take a bow while he is still at the top.
“Not comparing but look at Ronaldo. He plays one minute and he was on the bench the next. I don’t want to end up like that,” said Dettori, who already hinted in October that he would retire. 2023 time.
“I don’t want to compete to ride in big races. I still have good horses to ride and I want to finish like that.
“There may be an excess of emotional exhaustion but I look at it positively and make it a celebration.”
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