‘I’m gobsmacked!’ – Frankie Dettori left speechless after giant mural of him unveiled at Epsom racecourse

FRANKIE DETTORI’s farewell tour is well under way but the Italian will never be forgotten at Epsom.

Not just because of his incredible achievements at the venue, but the new giant mural on the main stand.

PA

Dettori in front of the mural unveiled at Epsom[/caption]

Dettori announced in December that this would be his final season in the saddle and kicked off his farewell party at Santa Anita over the winter.

Now back in Britain, Dettori steered Derby hopeful Epictetus to success in the Blue Riband Trial, but not before being greeted by the giant mural on arrival.

Dettori said: “It was a big surprise! I was quite embarrassed when I first saw it, actually.

“I love it. It is amazing, I’m gobsmacked really. Marc and the team at MurWalls have done a great job.

“I have mixed feelings. It’s the end of an era, and it’s nice to be recognised with something as big as this.

“Epsom is a special place for me. I’ve had some great memories, lots of nice winners – two Derby wins, five Coronations, six Oaks. It’s been a good stamping ground for me.

“To be honoured with something like this at one of the most famous racetracks in the world is quite something.”

Dettori first won the Derby in 2007 on Authorized and doubled his tally when Golden Horn powered to success in 2015.

He has also won the Oaks four times, latterly with Enable, who was known as the “queen of the turf” during her time on the racecourse.

Dettori won’t be changing his mind either on his retirement plans, regardless of how the year goes.

“I’m not changing my mind (on retirement), October 21st at Ascot is my last day (in Britain),” he said.

“I’m trying to enjoy every moment – that’s why I gave myself plenty of time to enjoy it. I gave myself a year, or more of less, when I announced it in December.”

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