Frankie Dettori Sparks Internet Frenzy as He Unveils His ‘Special’ Friend

Published 02/12/2024, 7:11 AM EST

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With a career spanning 36 years, Frankie Dettori was ‘simply not ready to retire completely’, despite a successful farewell ceremony. Having concluded his journey with the Qipco British Champions Day at Ascot on October 21, he turned over to the next chapter of his jockey life. Since the beginning of 2024, he has been racing at the Santa Anita plan-wise. On a pleasant early January Friday at Santa Anita, the 53-year-old bagged three wins to leave the US audience stunned.

Currently tied for third in overall jockey standings, the ‘I Am A Celebrity’ star has more victories to collect from the same venue. But nothing matches his love for the majestic beings, the ones behind his illustrious career. Sheltered in the Santa Anita barn, a ‘grey’ horse stole his heart in particular.

White Abarrio touched Dettori’s heart

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White Abarrio and Frankie Dettori’s fates coincided when both of them won one Breeders’ Cup each last year around the same time. Winning the $2-million Filly & Mare Turf, Inspiral, with Dettori in the saddle, flew to victory to nab the latter’s 15th Breeders’ Cup win. On the other hand, Abarrio clinched the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, bringing bliss to trainer Rick Dutrow’s life. In a recent Instagram post, the two legends met, and Dettori’s bold claim, “With one of the best in the world…”, was sure to leave fans at the edge of their seats. In the video, the 3x British flat racing Champion Jockey was heard saying, “I gonna show you a special horse, the White Abarrio. He’s off to Saudi… one of the best horses in the planet”.

While Dettori was also paired with a grey that day, he sang more praises of Abarrio, who’s ready to kick start his Saudi Cup race on February 24. Since his November 4 Breeders’ Cup win, the equine will be hitting the tracks on his season opener. Let’s see how the fans reacted to seeing ‘the grey’ and Frankie Dettori sharing the frame.

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Fans leave appreciation notes for both the phenoms

One fan sided with Dettori, saying, “Amazing I love the grey Frankie”. Another fan commented along the same lines, wishing to see more of Frankie making waves in the international circuit, writing, “Take care Frankie miss you. enjoy your races”. 

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Another fan’s comment/claim was sure to leave the internet in a frenzy. He wrote, “For my best jockey in the world”. Santa Anita, being one of the most iconic racecourses, is home to several memory-making instances. So, a fan said, “Good luck I love that place such great memories there. Ride safe”. Another Instagram user was grateful to Dettori for a reason, “Thanks for taking the time to show us Frankie”. With a banging start to the year, he’s sure to give us more memories to last a lifetime.

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Written by:

Agnijeeta Majumder

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Agnijeeta Majumder is an Olympic Sports writer at EssentiallySports. Being a former sprinter herself, Agnijeeta takes a specific interest in field events. She covers track and field, equestrian sports, alpine skiing, and gymnastics.
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Edited by:

Suman Varandani