YANKEE DOODLE FRANKIE
Dettori: I have dreams and winning Kentucky Derby is the biggest one
FRANKIE DETTORI’S desire to pursue an “American dream” has forced him to kick his post-riding life-bucket list firmly to one side.
The Italian had planned to mark his retirement from horse racing by travelling the globe in tourist mode with wife Catherine, sampling many different sights and cultures.
Instead, the legendary jockey has set himself a different must-do list – winning the Kentucky Derby having, he hopes, already added the Melbourne Cup to his achievements. Dettori, 52, admits he was not ready to quit the saddle after such a successful year and “with the kids left home and no longer having to do the school run!”.
He still intends to make Saturday’s QIPCO Champions Day his emotional swansong in front of his British fans.
But he concedes he could be riding for “three more years”.
The prospect of the US stage was too much of a lure for someone who has thrilled race fans for more than 36 years.
He said: “I want to win the Melbourne Cup and also the Kentucky Derby – that is my dream.
“I want to travel a bit more and see new things, but I want to get my career over and done with first.
“I guess I will stay in racing – commentating, etc – but I don’t want to think too far ahead. The fire inside me to continue riding at the top is still burning strongly... and is going to carry on doing so for a bit longer.
“When I started the season I thought, ‘Well, I’m 52 and it’s time to say my goodbyes’. But I have just had one of my best years for a long time and I am not ready to give up.
“My kids have left the house.
It’s just me and my wife, and we don’t have to do the school run any more.
“I will decide enough is enough when I feel mentally and physically ready to make that decision. I am not ready yet. It’s hard to let go after doing it for 36 years, especially when you are doing so well.
“I’m excited that I can do a little more. I still feel good and, hopefully, I will get that Kentucky Derby ride.
“The US has been on my mind for a while. I had a great time in California last year and I am excited about going back
there and getting it out of my system. Santa Anita is a special place where they filmed Sea Biscuit, which is very iconic. Who knows, I could be there for three months if things go badly – or three years, if they go well.”
But he will not be doing a U-turn over his final appearance in this country.
He added: “Next Saturday is my last ride in England – I said it and I am sticking by it.
“I’m sure I will cry at Ascot. All my family are coming to watch and it will be very emotional.”
‘My wife and I no longer have to do the school run... so why not?’