Frankie Dettori says only a ‘stupid offer’ would keep him in racing following row over how much he’s paid
FRANKIE DETTORI will need a “stupid offer” if he’s to continue racing beyond the end of this year.
The legendary Italian is currently on his well publicised retirement tour, which has thrown up Classic success and wins at all the major festivals.
The 52-year-old is trying to tick off as much as possible from his bucket list and was in Hungary earlier this month to plunder a pair of Group races.
The July Cup, the only British Group 1 he’s failed to win, will remain unticked after a Royal Ascot whip ban scuppered his final chance.
He was in Northern Ireland last week to have his first rides at Down Royal but a pay dispute means Listowel won’t be part of his retirement party.
Dettori’s final British rides are meant to be at Ascot’s British Champions day, before he heads to the Breeders’ Cup in the US on his way for a final crack at winning the Melbourne Cup.
Rumours are flying that Dettori may continue riding next year, however, and the man himself hasn’t ruled it out either.
He told BBC Sport: “At the moment, October 21st [at Ascot] is my last day in Europe, then it’s America for the Breeders Cup, then Melbourne and possibly Hong Kong – but never say never.
“If somebody makes me a stupid offer then I will consider it but at the moment I am sticking to my guns.”
Dettori has built up an interesting partnership with racing newcomers Wathnan Racing, owned by the Emir of Qatar.
Following the surprise sacking of Kevin Stott, Amo Racing also have a vacancy, though that might not be tempting enough for Dettori.
On what the future holds, Dettori added: “I will find my feet and regroup with my wife, because my five kids have flown the nest, so we will see.
“The house is very empty at the moment, the children have to find their own life but I am very close to them and they are often coming back to the nest.
“I have seen a lot of racecourses but not a lot else of the world so I would like to travel.
“I haven’t thought too far ahead, but I know it will be a difficult period when I stop.”
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