"Racing has been my life," Frankie Dettori wrote in a post on social media. "I started when I was fifteen and this sport has given me everything." The King, as he was nicknamed in England, has hung up his saddle and whip. At 55, after an extraordinary career that he wanted to end on a high note , with victory on the Gàvea track in Brazil, where he triumphed with Bet You Can in the Gran Premio Estato do Rio de Janeiro.
Lanfranco Frankie Dettori, son of Gianfranco da Serramanna, another great jockey, became a legend in the home of the English thoroughbred , where he won all the most prestigious Group 1 races several times: the Epson Derby, the 2000 Guineas, and Royal Ascot, where he set a record with "The Magnificent Seven," that is, he won every race at Ascot on September 28, 1996. It is no coincidence that a bronze statue was dedicated to him at the Royal Racecourse . Frankie Dettori has triumphed in Japan, the USA, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and has also ruled the roost in South America with victories in Argentina, Uruguay, and now Brazil.
Dettori was Queen Elizabeth's darling, the idol of the crowds who went wild when he performed his signature leap from his horse after winning . Frankie was the champion who made young jockeys' eyes light up. He's admired like a rock star around the world , but he's also experienced a couple of difficult moments (suspension for drugs and bankruptcy), and he himself admits: "It may not have been perfect at times, but I've loved every single moment. I've traveled the world, met incredible people, created memories that will last a lifetime, and been fortunate enough to ride some truly extraordinary horses."
Then the thanks: "To my family, thank you for your love, patience, and unwavering support. To every trainer, owner, stable staff member, and jockey I've shared this journey with. To my fans: your love and support have taken me around the world. Thank you for helping a young boy live his dream."
