Frankie Dettori concluded his farewell tour in South America this past Sunday with two victories at Rio de Janeiro’s Hippodromo da Gavea, marking the finale of an extraordinary 40-year career as a jockey. His first triumph came in Race 4, an allowance event, riding Speak Alpha, followed by a close second in Race 7, where he led Bet You Can in the prestigious Grande Premio Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Brazilian 2000 Guineas) (G1) — Brazil’s opening leg of the Triple Crown.
After his initial win, the 55-year-old Dettori shared with the press, “No matter what happens today, I can rest now. From the moment I mounted, it felt incredible. This is a perfect place to end my journey. Trust me, I’m very happy.”
The Italian jockey, famous for his iconic flying dismount, boasts over 3,300 career wins, including 288 at the Grade 1 or Group 1 level. Dettori’s legendary moment came in 1996 when he rode all seven winners at Ascot Racecourse — an achievement dubbed the “Magnificent Seven.” Since turning professional in 1985, he earned the title of British Champion Jockey three times in 1994, 1995, and 2004.
Diego Mittagstein from South American Horse Racing and Breeding Publications paid homage to Dettori upon his retirement, writing: “An artist, a showman, and a fierce competitor who always maintained his elegance is stepping down. Dettori will be remembered for his gratitude and uniqueness — while there are many jockeys, there was only one Dettori. It’s fitting that his final grand performance was under the Brazilian sun, a reminder that talent knows no borders and, just like his signature flying dismount, greatness defies gravity.”
This story was initially published by Paulick Report on February 2, 2026.
Fan Take: Frankie Dettori’s retirement marks the end of an era for horse racing, as one of the sport’s most charismatic and skilled jockeys bows out. His global influence and memorable performances have inspired countless fans and riders alike, setting a high standard for future generations and reminding us of the artistry and drama that make horse racing truly special.
