Jockey Dettori extends horse racing career in the U.S.

Globe-trotting jockey Frankie Dettori has raced all around the world. But this is his first time at the Saratoga Race Course for the summer.

“The town breathes racing, basically. It’s on everybody’s lips. Wherever you go, everybody talks about racing,” Dettori said. “What a beautiful place. There’s so much to do. They got the lakes. They have golf courses. So it’s got a little bit of everything. So, I really am enjoying the place at the moment.”

Sounds like the perfect place for someone in retirement. And, well, Dettori was kind of retired.

“I said my goodbyes in England, in France, home country of Italy,” said Dettori, referring to his farewell tour last year in Europe. “And I felt like I still had a little bit more to give.”

The winner of more than 277 of Group One/Grade One races worldwide, Dettori’s original plan was to call it quits at the end of 2023. But after finding some late success last year, he instead only retired in Europe and opted to begin a new chapter racing full-time in the United States.

“I felt like the move to America would give me something different, new challenge,” he said. “And here I am, and I’m enjoying it.”

Throughout his American tour, Dettori was has had mounts at Santa Anita, Churchill Downs, Keenland, Monmouth Park and Belmont Park. Several times, he has been able to show off his signature flying dismount in the winner’s circle, which was inspired by a Saratoga legend.

“I stole it off Angel Cordero, and I brought it to England, Europe, basically,” Dettori said. “It’s a bit of fun. People enjoy it sometimes. Sometimes it’s not so good for my knees or ankles, but it’s a bit of fun and people like it.”

He’s racing on a different continent, but it is still just as challenging and competitive in the New York jockey colony, according to Dettori. Right now, he’s not calling this his last dance, with no plans to stop, as long as his body allows him to keep racing.

“I’m going to carry on as long as I can,” he said. I have no dates of stopping. I still feel good. As long as the support is there, I’m going to carry on.”