“I’m Speechless”: Months Before Retirement 52-Year-Old Equestrian Legend Claims Big Triumph

Frankie Dettori, a 52-year-old Italian jockey living in England, is a major figure in the world of equestrian sports. Dettori’s equestrian career spans over 35 years, and he has won the title of British Flat Racing Champion Jockey three times. In addition, the jockey has been on the winning horse for 286 Group 1 races, including 23 British Classic Race winners. After a spectacular victory at the 2023 Royal Ascot, he claimed his ninth Gold Cup, making him one of the most seasoned contenders.

Following his victory in the Gold Cup at Ascot aboard Courage Mon Ami, Frankie Dettori gave an interview with Sky Sports Racing. The Italian rider, who will retire at the end of the year, reflected on his last Golden Cup victory before calling it a career.

Putting a golden end to this golden career

Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, Berkshire, England, is a dual-purpose British racecourse with more than 300 years of equestrian heritage. The track is the spiritual center of horse racing in the United Kingdom. Thirteen of the 36 annual Flat Group 1 horse races in Britain are held at Ascot during Royal Ascot week in June, and three Grade 1 Jumps races are also held during this time. Members of the British Royal Family, who are known for their love of equestrian events, are also regular attendees.

ALSO READ – Despite a ‘Bit of a Struggle,’ Jennifer Gates Made Billionaire Bill Gates Proud With $30,000 Equestrian Win in 2017

Since this year’s Royal Ascot would be Frankie Dettori’s last, it was an especially momentous occasion. The Italian rider showed his authority on the track for the last time by riding the 15-2 shot Courage Mon Ami to victory in the Gold Cup. The 52-year-old Italian, who will retire later this year, battled hard with the 11-4 favorite Coltrane on the inside in the last stages of the race but ultimately won to win this feature race.

His first triumph in the same event was with Drum Taps in 1992; thus, this was a significant addition to his already impressive equestrian resume. In the interview with Sky Sports Racing, the Italian jockey revealed his spectacular win, saying, “I’m Speechless. I didn’t expect that to be honest with you.”

Dettori also received a royal greeting from Queen Camilla and King Charles as he accepted the prestigious trophy on their behalf. The rider just has a few months left until he retires, but this win will be a great addition to his already impressive resume and pave the way for an easy exit.

A seasoned jockey in the equestrian world

Since 1988, Frankie Dettori has been active in the equestrian industry. The 52-year-old rider has more than 200 Group 1 victories, making him a major player in the equestrian world. During his first year in 1988, he won 22 of 140 races and earned a stunning $108,360.

The rider has competed in 65 races so far this year and has won 17. To date, he has won a total of $3,114,745 from these events, and he plans to keep racing until the very end of 2023.

WATCH THIS STORY – Days After Kentucky Derby Incident, Equestrian Community Mourns Another Loss