Dettori: Derby Victory with Golden Horn was the Most Thrilling Moment of my Career

The Thrill of the Betfred Derby

Famed jockey Frankie Dettori is gearing up for one last ride at Epsom Downs. The 52-year-old veteran has had a long and storied career, but all good things must come to an end. This year will mark his final season before retirement. As such, sports news outlets are closely following his journey through the Flat season.

A Last Chance at Glory

Dettori’s final race in the famous Betfred Derby is naturally grabbing headlines. He will be riding John and Thady Gosden’s Arrest, who has a strong chance of providing Dettori with his third victory in this prestigious race.

A Relaxed Rider

This time around, Dettori feels relaxed ahead of his final Derby performance – something he wasn’t accustomed to in years past when striving for a spot on the roll of honor.

A Long Wait for Victory

In 1995 Tamure was second; Shantou came third in ’96; Cape Verdi finished ninth as an 11-4 favourite two years later; Dubai Millennium followed suit finishing ninth as that year’s 5-1 favourite; Tobougg was third in 2001; Snow Ridge came seventh as joint-favourite four races later and Dubawi claimed third place just after that.

Dettori finally achieved victory aboard Authorized trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam back in ’07 winning by five lengths with odds shortening down to being named favorite (5-4). Mixing business with pleasure he described this momentous win as “my biggest thrill” marking a sour relationship between himself and “the most important flat horse-race” according to him.

The point of the Derby is that it only comes once a year, and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Dettori explains the importance of this event in horse racing: “It’s the most important race; we have been breeding thoroughbreds for 350 years to win the Derby,” he said.

The Legacy of The Derby

“For a jockey, when you start you want to win the Derby. Trainers, owners, breeders – everyone wants to achieve victory at Epsom Downs because its significance transcends time and tradition.”

Dettori believes that The Betfred Derby has driven development within thoroughbred breeding as well as cementing itself as an emblematic institution within British culture. As one of its greatest ambassadors prepares himself for retirement after decades spent pushing his body beyond what many believed possible- perhaps another like him will rise up again in future generations!