Frankie Dettori performs one of his final flying dismounts on farewell tour
Frankie Dettori has performed one of his last flying dismounts after riding a winner in South America. The legendary jockey announced in November that he was retiring - this time for good - having u-turned on previous plans to quit the saddle in 2023 to extend his career in the United States.
His rides at the Breeders’ Cup were to be his last in the US before he embarked on a brief tour to South America, taking in visits to Brazil and Uruguay. In his announcement he said: “Following the Breeders Cup on Saturday, I will be retiring from race riding in the United States and concluding my career with a few rides in South America, something I’ve always wanted to do.
“It has been an honour to compete at the highest level of this sport for over four decades. I’m deeply grateful to my family, the owners, trainers, stable staff, and of course the supporters who have made my career possible.
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“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey.”
In a 35 year career in Britain Dettori was crowned champion jockey three times, rode 23 British Classic winners and won six editions of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. In 1996 he rode the winners of all seven races at Ascot.
During his retirement tour, the 55-year-old rode a winner at San Isidro in Buenos Aires, Brazil in December, then on Tuesday was in action for the first time in Uruguay, riding at the Maronas racecourse in the country's capital of Montevideo.
He had four mounts on the mammoth 20 race card, placing eighth on his first two mounts and second last in his final race, but scored in race seven, over 7f, when he led all the way on 13-8 favourite Soy Poronguero.
The jubilant jockey was met by a huge contingent of connections who applauded in the winners’ enclosure as he performed his famous flying dismount.
He has one more chance to thrill fans on a trip which he has said 'means the world to me'.
He will be the guest of a special celebration of his career which will take place when he rides at Gavea racecourse, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in February (Feb 2–3). The track has a fitting backdrop as it is situated beneath the Christ the Redeemer statue.