Horse racing legend Frankie Dettori announces he will be retiring at the end of 2023

Frankie Dettori has announced that he will be retiring from the saddle at the end of 2023.

The 52-year-old Italian has had a glittering career but on an empty race day in Britain and Ireland he confirmed to ITV Racing that next year will be his last.

He said: “Next year, 2023, will be my final year as a jockey.

Racing legend Frankie Dettori has announced that he will be retiring from the saddle at the end of 2023

“I’ll bring the news now. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while and what a fitting day to tell the racing world that it will be my final next year.”

In his 35-year career, Dettori has ridden over 3,000 winners, including all seven on Champions Day at Ascot in 1996.

The jockey admitted it was a difficult decision and was made after consulting his family, as he continued: “I spoke at length with dad, he quit at 51. He supported me a lot. My wife and kids loved it because they haven’t seen me in 33 years!

The Italian shocked race fans on Saturday afternoon by announcing that next year will be his last

“I hope I can finish my career on a big note and in one piece.”

He explained the decision by referring to another sporting great late in his career, as he said: “I’m not comparing, I’m looking [Cristiano] ronaldo He played one minute and was on the bench the next. I don’t want to end up like this.

“I don’t want to fight to race in the big races. I still have good horses to ride and I want to end it that way.

“It’s going to be emotionally draining, but I’m looking at it positively and making it a celebration.”