After a tremendous career, the 52-year-old has announced that 2023 will be his final year as a race jockey and that he intends to retire at the top.
The legendary horse racing jockey Frankie Dettori has declared his retirement for the 2023 season.
The 2019 racing season will be 52-year-old Dettori’s final as a jockey, capping a remarkable career that included more than 3000 victories worldwide.
The Italian has had an illustrious career in the sport, taking home the title of Champion Jockey three times. He is also famed for riding all seven winners on Champions’ Day at Ascot in 1996.
On Saturday, October 21, he will return to the renowned track for his final race in the United Kingdom before traveling to America for the Breeders’ Cup.
Since winning his first race in the UK as a youngster in 1987, he has remained at the top of the sport and is widely considered as the best jockey the sport has ever seen.
Dettori told ITV Sport he had spoken with his father and fellow ex-jockey Gianfranco before making the choice, and he also confirmed the story.
“It has been very difficult because my heart wants to carry on riding but I had to use my brain,” he said.
“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.”
Dettori then made reference to football great Cristiano Ronaldo, who appears to be having difficulty accepting that time is catching up with him. Ronaldo said that he wants to retire at the top of his game.
“I am not making comparisons but look at Ronaldo. He was playing one minute and he was on the bench next. I don’t want to end up like that,” Dettori added.
“I don’t want to be struggling to ride in the big races. I still have good horses to ride and I want to finish it like that.
“It is going to be emotionally draining but I am looking at it in a positive way and make it a celebration.”
AP Leading the tributes to Dettori, McCoy said: “Knowing when to stop is the hardest thing, and Frankie is leaving at the top. He is the Lionel Messi of racing. A young person cannot be taught to ride like Frankie Dettori.”