The build-up to the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Festival was interrupted by sudden and unexpected news on Wednesday, 29 October. Two days before events get underway at Del Mar, the world’s most famous jockey announced the meeting would mark his final rides in the USA. Two years after his final UK outing, Frankie Dettori appears ready to hang up his silks for good.
Last Stop South America
I’ve loved it ❤️ pic.twitter.com/D6XZKoznar
— Frankie Dettori (@FrankieDettori) October 29, 2025
It was back in December of 2022 that Dettori announced he would retire from the saddle at the end of the 2023 campaign. That 2023 farewell tour saw Frankie add 10 more Group 1 wins to his haul, including the 2000 Guineas and a spectacular Champion Stakes success on his final British ride.
Possibly inspired by how well his final British season had gone, Dettori opted to relocate rather than retire. Since then, the evergreen Italian has lit up the US scene from his new base in California. In just two seasons in America, Frankie has ridden 25 graded winners, including six Grade 1 triumphs.
As successful as Frankie’s US adventure has been, all good things must come to an end. Set to turn 55 in December, even Frankie can’t go on forever. Nevertheless, the general reaction to the news was one of surprise. The announcement came via a social media post, in which Dettori stated:
Following the Breeders’ Cup on Saturday, I’ll 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.
Going Out with a Bang?
Frankie Dettori has been hitting headlines since the moment he set foot on a British racecourse. His “Magnificent Seven” at Ascot in 1996 earned him a place in the limelight – one he has never left. Upon his departure from Britain, his glittering CV featured 271 Group 1 wins, including 23 Classics.
Given his consistent box-office status, it was only fitting that Frankie’s final British ride should result in yet another Group 1 win. The question facing punters is “Can Frankie steal the show one last time?” A Breeders’ Cup success would certainly provide a fitting US send-off. With the final fields confirmed, Dettori has five shots at glory, with runners hailing from the US, Japan, and his old stamping ground of Newmarket.
Aspect Island: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, Friday
The first of Frankie’s two rides for The Gredley Family and James Owen. This son of Showcasing has only a handicap success to his name but arrives on the back of a career-best second in the Cornwallis Stakes.
Imaginationlady: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf, Friday
Aidan O’Brien’s Precise is a warm favourite for this 1m event, but Dettori will hope to cause an upset with this unbeaten Brendan Walsh-trained runner. Kicking off with a maiden win at Kentucky Downs, she impressed in the Grade 2 Jessamine Stakes last time out.
Khaadem: Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, Saturday
This Charles Hills-trained star is among the outsiders for the big sprint on turf. However, Khaadem is no stranger to causing a shock, having won the 2023 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at odds of 80/1. He’s nine years old now but arrives in form following a win in the Grade 2 Woodford Stakes at Keeneland.
Wimbledon Hawkeye: Breeders’ Cup Turf, Saturday
Five of Frankie’s 15 Breeders’ Cup wins have come in this event. Wimbledon Hawkeye faces a tough task to master Minnie Hauk and Rebel’s Romance. However, he showed a liking for this part of the world when claiming the Nashville Derby under Dettori on his US debut.
Argine: Breeders’ Cup Mile, Saturday
Following wins with Barathea (1994) and Expert Eye (2018), Dettori bids for a third Breeders’ Cup Mile with this Japanese mare. General odds of 20/1 suggest she is up against it, but she arrives in form, and lost out by only half a length in her only previous Grade 1 outing.
Ambassadorial Role Awaits
How many rides – “a few rides in South America” – will amount to remains known only to Dettori. However, even when he does officially retire, he seems certain to remain involved in the sport. Hot on the heels of his US retirement announcement came the news that Frankie will take up an ambassadorial role with Amo Racing.
Back in 2023, Amo Racing provided Dettori with the Champion Stakes-winning ride on King Of Steel. Since that win, the Kia Joorabchian-owned operation has become an increasingly powerful force on the British and international racing scenes. Expressing his delight at teaming up with the ambitious owner/breeders, Dettori said:
Riding King Of Steel to victory on Champions Day was an unforgettable moment, and to now represent Amo Racing feels like a natural next step. I’m looking forward to being part of the team, growing with them, and helping to share our love of racing with fans around the world.
Whether we’ll witness a final flying dismount this weekend remains to be seen, but with the announcement of his new role, we suspect we haven’t seen the last of Frankie in the winners’ enclosure. We certainly hope not at any rate!