Frankie Dettori, emotion without filters: “I’m keeping my promise. I always wanted to come to South America”

A global idol, just days from turning 55 and heading into his final tour, the Italian spoke about his legacy, the accident that changed his life, El Pulque, and why he chose this part of the world for his farewell

The Pellegrini Cup and Frankie Dettori, an unforgettable image / GENTILEZA HSI

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Not every day does Argentine racing welcome a living legend. But on Tuesday, during the post-position draw for the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1), the atmosphere on the fourth floor of the San Isidro grandstand said it all: Frankie Dettori was there, just meters from the public, radiating the charisma, humor, and magnetic presence that turned him into a global icon.

And above all, it was an open, emotional Dettori—eager to explain why he chose South America to begin his final farewell tour. “For 20 years they asked me to come. It always coincided with my birthday and I never found the moment. But before retiring, I promised myself I would make it happen. I always wanted to come.”

Dettori revealed that his trip was decided even before knowing he would ride in the Pellegrini. “I was going to come anyway. But being part of this famous race is a huge honor. I’m very excited.”

Just hours from turning 55, Frankie spoke candidly about life after riding: “The scariest thing for an athlete is thinking about what comes next.”

He explained that his recent role as an ambassador for Amo Racing gave him the peace and security needed to step aside without leaving the sport altogether.

“I would never want to stop riding, but sometimes you have to,” he said.

Asked about the highlight of his career, he didn’t hesitate: “Winning the seven races at Ascot. All in one day. That was my best moment.” The worst came away from horses: “The plane crash. I should have died. My pilot died and I survived. That was the worst moment of my life.”

On his current physical and mental condition, he was direct: “I’ve kept myself fit because I want to perform. I don’t want to make a fool of myself. I want to put on a good show.” He added that he is enjoying the experience, the country, and the people—but for now, his full focus is on this final chapter as a jockey.

Asked about his Tuesday workout aboard El Pulque (Heliostatic), his Pellegrini mount, he answered with humor: “It was raining so much I could barely hold the reins. But the horse was very professional. He did everything right. He likes the distance, he likes fast tempos, and he finishes well. In big races they always go quick, and that should help him.”

Dettori also addressed the long-standing debate around minimum riding weights: “The new generation is bigger, heavier. We can’t ask the impossible, but we can make life a bit easier. I always support those discussions.”

Regarding the San Isidro turf course, he smiled: “It’s beautiful. It reminds me of York. It’s a fair track, where everyone has a chance. Very different from the U.S., where the straights are short and if you break from 14 it’s almost impossible.”

When asked to choose his best mounts, he named five but highlighted three: Golden Horn, Dubai Millennium, and Enable, his favorite: “She wasn’t the best, but she was my favorite. She had a fantastic mind.”

Asked about his legacy, he answered with humility: “I don’t know what my legacy is. I only know I enjoyed my career a lot and always tried to give something back to the sport. I hope people remember me for that.”

The Italian also spoke about riding styles and the need to adapt to different tracks, blending European and American technique. But his definition of a good jockey was far simpler:

“You have to love the horse. If you love him, he will love you back. The rest you can learn.”

And he closed with a phrase that captured his competitive spirit:

“When I put on the silks, I’m a competitor. I didn’t come to South America to have fun. I came here to ride—and to try to win on Saturday.”