Frankie Dettori marked the end of his illustrious jockey career in dramatic fashion on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro. The 55-year-old rider achieved a memorable victory, claiming the first leg of Brazil’s prestigious Triple Crown.
Dettori’s Final Day as a Jockey
On his last race day, Dettori rode Speak Alpha, starting from the back of the pack. He made a remarkable move on the home straight, pulling ahead with a powerful late surge to secure an impressive win. Celebrating his victory, he stood up in his saddle as he crossed the finish line.
Later that day, Dettori continued his success at Gavea, steering Bet You Can to victory in the Grade 1 Grande Premio Estado do Rio De Janeiro. “I can rest now, whatever else happens today,” Dettori remarked after his opening win, expressing joy over his final performances. “I couldn’t have asked for a better way to finish.”
Final Ride and Retirement
Dettori’s career concluded with a ride on Lucky Time, who finished sixth in the ninth race of the day. He chose not to ride Nidavellir in the meeting’s final race, as the horse misbehaved en route to the starting gate. According to Brazilian racing regulations, Dettori handed over his mount to a local jockey, who finished third.
Career Highlights
- Started his career in Italy 40 years ago.
- Achieved three championship titles.
- Secured 288 top-flight victories.
- Notably won all seven races at Ascot in September 1996.
Beyond racing, Dettori became a cultural icon, appearing on television reality shows like *Big Brother* and *I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!* His journey was not without controversy; he faced a six-month ban in 2012 after testing positive for cocaine. Additionally, he publicly addressed his bankruptcy last March, owing £765,000 in tax debt.
As Frankie Dettori concludes his historic career, he leaves behind a legacy of achievements in horse racing, alongside his unique ability to connect with fans around the world.
