Quick Read
- Frankie Dettori officially retired from horse racing on Sunday, February 2, 2026.
- His final race was at Gavea racecourse in Brazil, where he won the Grande Premio Estado do Rio de Janeiro aboard Bet You Can.
- The victory marked his 288th Group 1 win and concluded his South American farewell tour.
- Dettori performed his signature flying dismount for the last time after the emotional win.
- Fellow jockey Joao Moreira praised Dettori’s tactical brilliance and enduring influence on the sport.
RIO DE JANEIRO (Azat TV) – Legendary Italian jockey Frankie Dettori concluded his storied career on Sunday in Brazil, securing an emotional Group 1 victory aboard Bet You Can at Gavea racecourse. The win, his 288th Group 1 triumph, served as a fitting and dramatic capstone to a career spanning decades and marked the final act of his South American farewell tour.
The 55-year-old Dettori, known for his charismatic personality and trademark flying dismount, raised his arms skyward after Bet You Can was led into the winner’s berth, before performing his iconic celebratory leap from the saddle for the last time. “I’m emotional, but in a happy way,” Dettori stated, admitting to pre-race nerves. “To ride a winner on the last day is magical.” The victory came in the Grande Premio Estado do Rio de Janeiro, a Classic race, adding another significant accomplishment to his unparalleled record.
A Champion’s Final Race in Brazil
Dettori’s decision to retire came two years after he initially reversed a previous retirement announcement, opting instead for a move to North America before embarking on a global farewell tour that culminated in Brazil. His final raceday saw him guide the 14-1 shot Bet You Can to victory against a field of 16, a testament to his enduring skill and strategic prowess. The atmosphere at Gavea was charged with emotion, as thousands of fans welcomed, farewelled, and applauded his immense contribution to horse racing.
Joao Moreira, a renowned Brazilian jockey, observed Dettori’s final triumph with admiration. Moreira, who considers Dettori his number one idol, noted the Italian’s tactical genius in the race. “We knew Bet You Can was a nice horse, but I didn’t have him in my top five,” Moreira told Idol Horse. “But you would expect Frankie to pull one out of the hat like that because he’s a brilliant rider.” Moreira highlighted Dettori’s ability to give Bet You Can a crucial mid-race breather, a tactic that local jockeys had reportedly failed to employ, allowing the colt to finish strongly and surprise his competitors.
Moreira Reflects on Dettori’s Enduring Influence
Dettori’s impact on jockeys worldwide is profound, with Moreira recalling how posters of Dettori adorned the walls of his jockey academy in Sao Paulo. “Frankie has been my number one idol ever, I watched his riding style, his capability, he was very athletic when he was younger and that was definitely an inspiration to some of us jockeys starting out,” Moreira recounted. He described Dettori’s win in Rio as “surreal,” praising his horsemanship against jockeys intimately familiar with Gavea’s nuances.
Moreira likened the privilege of riding against Dettori to playing football with the legendary Pelé, emphasizing the rarity of competing alongside such a monumental figure in sports. He noted that future generations of jockeys might not have the chance to experience racing against a talent like Dettori, underscoring the significance of witnessing the Italian’s final ride. The unexpected victory for a relatively unfancied horse on his last day added a layer of perceived destiny to Dettori’s farewell, as if his career was meant to conclude with one more moment of improbable brilliance.
A Career Defined by Triumph and Resilience
Dettori’s career, while marked by incredible triumphs and champion rides, also navigated personal challenges, including controversies and financial difficulties. Yet, as he made his final career memory in Brazil, the overwhelming sentiment was one of celebration for a hero who consistently delivered brilliance on the track. His 288th Group 1 victory, the Grande Premio Estado do Rio de Janeiro, stands as a testament to his enduring talent and ability to perform under pressure, even in the twilight of his career.
The farewell tour allowed fans across the globe to pay tribute to a jockey whose distinctive style and infectious enthusiasm captivated audiences for decades. The final race in Brazil, watched by thousands and lauded by peers, provided a poignant and memorable conclusion to a career that will be remembered as one of the greatest in horse racing history.
The emotional and unexpected victory in his final race solidified Frankie Dettori’s legacy, demonstrating his unique blend of skill and showmanship that kept audiences captivated until the very end of an extraordinary career.