Dettori to Retire After 2023 Racing Season

Frankie Dettori has announced that his extraordinary riding career will come to an end next year as he revealed plans to bow out at the top following one final season in 2023.

One of the most recognized and popular figures in the history of the sport, Dettori is set to begin what will be a global farewell tour with the meet at Santa Anita Park that begins Dec. 26—and it is already likely that Dettori will retire at the same destination during the 2023 Breeders' Cup held there next fall.

In revealing the news, Dettori made clear his desire for the final chapter of his marathon riding story to be a celebration, one in which the racing public will form a significant part.

Dettori told ITV Racing: "Next year, 2023, will be my final professional year as a jockey. It's something I've been thinking about for a while.

"I'm riding on Boxing Day at Santa Anita, and I'm planning to spend around 10 weeks in California. I'll make my way back via Dubai and Saudi Arabia, and then I guess I'll start the season in Newmarket.

"It will be my last Guineas, my last Derby, my last Royal Ascot, and so on. I'll then probably finish in Britain on Champions Day or at Newmarket and then have my final farewell as a professional rider in California at the Breeders' Cup. Everything is penciled in, but that's my plan."

He continued: "I have had an amazing career. You can carry on for one more year, one more year, and then one more year, but I feel this is the right time, and I'll be young enough to do something else.

"I want to finish with all my best powers. I think at the moment I'm still good enough to compete with the best."

Britain's three-time champion jockey, who celebrated his 52nd birthday Dec. 15, has been at the center of headlines throughout his life, including when winning all seven races on a high-profile Ascot card in 1996 and then after surviving a fatal plane crash four years later.

Dettori had stated more than once that he would definitely ride until the end of 2023, but in recent weeks—and following discussions with his family—he has accepted that continuing beyond that point would not be sensible.

Although adamant that his powers in the saddle have not begun to wane, Dettori has admitted his age was a factor behind his decision to put in place plans for his retirement.

The long-time Godolphin number one parted company with Sheikh Mohammed's team in the autumn of 2012, soon after which he served a six-month drug ban. Since 2015 he has worked as first jockey to John Gosden, for whom he will again be principal rider in 2023, despite the pair's relationship having come under serious strain this summer.

Gosden—who now trains in partnership with son Thady—provided Dettori with his second Derby success when Golden Horn  scored at Epsom en route to winning the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1). Dettori then notched his fifth and sixth Arc triumphs aboard the Gosden-trained Enable , the outstanding mare who also made turf history by landing three runnings of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1).

Those happy days were in marked contrast to the ones experienced by Dettori and Gosden earlier this year at Royal Ascot, where the five-time champion trainer was publicly critical of Dettori's losing rides on superstar stayer Stradivarius  and the Queen's Saga. In late June, Gosden and Dettori briefly parted and entered a period of sabbatical, which ended in time for Dettori to resume his role at Newmarket's July festival.

Dettori went on to post group 1 victories for the Gosdens aboard Inspiral  and Emily Upjohn . Both those stable stars will be among their jockey's highest-profile mounts next year, when he can also look forward to renewing his association with Juddmonte's Dewhurst Stakes (G1) winner Chaldean  and fellow Classic candidate Commissioning , who captured the Fillies' Mile (G1) under Robert Havlin while Dettori was suspended.

Although no firm plans have been made for Dettori's life after riding, it is likely he will pursue a career in the media, in which sphere he is already hugely experienced, having broken out of racing's confines to participate in numerous entertainment programs, including "Top Of The Pops" and "Celebrity Big Brother."

"My heart wants to carry on riding, but I have to use my brain," said Dettori.

"I've just turned 52, and next year I'm going to be 53. I want to stop at the top. I want to be competitive enough to do justice to myself, my owners, and my horses next year. It has been difficult, but I think it's the right time."

Dettori added: "It will be very emotional next year. It will be very hard to let go. You never feel old in the jockeys' room—but the reality is I am old. I have to give up.

"It's going to be exciting, but it will also be torture. Saying farewell to what has been 35 years of my life will be draining, but I've made the decision, and I'm sticking to it. I do feel emotional, but I'm trying to look at it in a positive way and make it a celebration."

Frankie Dettori

Full name Lanfranco Dettori

Born December 15, 1970

Father Gianfranco Dettori (13-time champion jockey in Italy)

First winner Rif, Turin, November 16, 1986

First winner in Britain Lizzy Hare, Goodwood, June 9, 1987

Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winners (six wins—record) Lammtarra (1995), Sakhee (2001), Marienbard (2002), Golden Horn (2015), Enable (2017, 2018)

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winners (seven wins—joint-record) Lammtarra (1995), Swain (1998), Daylami (1999), Doyen (2004), Enable (2017, 2019, 2020)

Derby winners Authorized (2007), Golden Horn (2015)

Dubai World Cup winners Dubai Millennium (2000), Moon Ballad (2003), Electrocutionist (2006), Country Grammer (2022)

Japan Cup winners Singspiel (1996), Falbrav (2002), Alkaased (2005)

Breeders' Cup 14 wins, including Classic on Raven's Pass (2008), Turf on Daylami (1999), Fantastic Light (2001), Red Rocks (2006), Dangerous Midge (2010), Enable (2018)

Champion Stakes winner Cracksman (2017, 2018)

Highest-rated mounts (RPRs) 139 Dubai Millennium, 138 Daylami, 136 Mark Of Esteem, 135 Sakhee

Most prolific Pattern winner Stradivarius (15 wins 2018-22, including 3 Ascot Gold Cups)

Group/Grade 1 wins 282, including 21 British Classics

Seven winners on one card Ascot, September 28, 1996

Total wins in Britain 3,336 (best season 233 in 1994)

Champion jockey 1994, 1995, 2004

Statistics compiled by John Randall