With a career spanning over 35 years and having ridden more than 3,300 G1 winners, Frankie Dettori is a living legend. Back in December 2022, the horse racing icon stunned the world by announcing that 2023 would be his final year of professional riding. However, in an unexpected twist, Frankie Dettori extended his racing career in the United States, specifically in California.

To honor his contribution to the sport and England, Queen Camilla even gave him a massive and heartwarming tribute. Months after this crucial transition, the renowned Italian jockey revealed the reasons behind his move to America, despite the tribute from the royals.

Frankie Dettori shares why he moved to America

On January 11, 2024, Frankie Dettori sat down with Piers Morgan on “Piers Morgan Uncensored” and discussed his career spanning over 35 years. When initially announcing his retirement, Dettori swore he would never compete again, but Piers Morgan playfully teased him with the phrase “Frankie’s gone to Hollywood.”

Dettori chuckled and shared how, when he announced his retirement, he wanted to stop while people still remembered him as good. He planned to give himself a year to say goodbye to everyone, including his home country, Italy.

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However, things took an unexpected turn when, by August, he was on a winning streak that he didn’t anticipate. He then shared how regrets crept in, and he wondered if he was ready to stop when he was still in demand and performing well.

The decision became more complex, especially with the attention his retirement announcement had received. Despite the great farewell events, including a life-size statue unveiling by Queen Camilla, at Ascot, he shared that he thought to himself, “I’m not ready to stop because I’m still doing so well, but I kind of run out of avenues. It would have been foolish to say that (his career) would have carried it on in England after what I said. So I only had one option to come here to California, where I like it very much, and it’ll just give me a little bit extra time to get out of my system.” This took fans back to the special tribute he received from Her Highness.

The Royal honor by Queen Camilla

On Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England, Queen Camilla honored and unveiled a life-size statue of Frankie Dettori by the Grandstand Lawn. The moving tribute was a part of QIPCO British Champions Day and  Frankie’s farewell to Britain. The massive sculpture was designed by artist Tristram Lewis and depicted Frankie mounted on a horse.

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