Yes, Dettori Is Still Retired From U.S. Racing

[Wandering Eyes]

World-class rider Frankie Dettori announced that his last ever mounts in the U.S. would be in the Breeders' Cup, so it came as somewhat of a shock when he was named on Lagynos (Kantharos) in Saturday's GIII River City Stakes at Churchill Downs. Lagynos, trained by Steve Asmusssen, is among the top contenders in the race.

But his U.S. agent Ron Anderson said Dettori will not be riding Saturday at Churchill or anywhere else in the U.S. in the future.

“I have no idea why he was named on that horse,” Anderson said. “Not a clue. He's not even in the country. He's gone, gone back to England. He's retired. I have no idea why Steve named him on that horse. No idea whatsoever. I am going to have to ask him.”

Dettori plans to ride in a few more races before he totally retires, but they will all be in South America. The 54-year-old superstar has told reporters that his last ever ride will be in the GI El Derby in Chile. The race, the third leg of the Chilean Triple Crown, will be run on or around Feb. 1. It is a 1 1/2 mile race run at Valparaiso Sporting Club.

Prior to that he will look to ride in other prestigious South American races such as the GI Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini Internacional at the Hipodromo de San Isidro in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in December, and the GI Gran Premio Jose Pedro Ramirez at Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñas in Montevideo, Uruguay. That race will be run Jan. 6.

Anderson said he will not be booking mounts for him in South America and that local agents will handle his business there.

“He brought an enthusiasm to the game that is very rare for someone who had the success that he has had,” Anderson said. “I like to tell this story: One Sunday night at Santa Anita he won three races and he called up and I hung up the phone and said, “Is that a guy that has won six Arcs? He won the Arc de Triomphe six times. Or was that a kid who just won his first race?' It sounded like a kid who won his first race. I've known him since he was a little kid. He's spectacular and has always been so enthusiastic. He's a great rider. I know he wishes he came to the U.S. a few years before he did. He was a pleasure to work for.”

After his final ride, Dettori will go to work for Amo Racing as a global brand ambassador. Owned by Kia Joorabchian, Amo has quickly developed into one of the top stables in the world.

“I'm thrilled to be joining Amo Racing as their global brand ambassador,” Dettori said in a social media post. “Kia and his team have huge passion and ambition for the sport, and it's exciting to be a part of their journey.”

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