Frankie Dettori his moving to Los Angeles where he will continue his career after abandoning plans to retire this year. (Pic: Courtesy of Great British Racing).

Horse Talk with Simon Jackson:

Top horse-racing tips and the latest news. 

FRANKIE Dettori will continue his career in America and has abandoned plans to retire this year.

The Italian-born rider was set to retire at the end of this year, with his final rides in the UK scheduled for British Champions Day at Ascot on October 21.

The 52-year-old this year has been on a farewell tour of the UK; however big-race victories this summer, including in the 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks and Ebor, has led to his decision to continue his career.

Dettori revealed today (Thursday) on the Nick Luck Daily podcast that he will be moving permanently to Los Angeles where he will be based at Santa Anita racecourse.

Dettori said: “I announced my retirement 10 months ago, I thought that would give me plenty of time to say my farewells and then I headed to California.

“I had an amazing four months there, finished second in the standings, it was amazing.

“I then came back to Europe, won the Guineas, had Royal Ascot wins and other big wins and that tickled my emotions.

“Now, as we come to October 21, what will be my final day in England, I had second thoughts, discussed with my wife and my parents that I want to carry on a little bit longer in California, where I had such a lovely winter.”

“The dynamic of my year has changed so much, if I wasn’t riding any winners or in the big races it would have made my decision much easier but at this point I’m still feeling good and I’ve got to get it out of my system.

“It’s very painful to just let go but I am retiring from Europe but carrying on for a little bit longer in the USA.

“Some of my closest friends came up with the idea in the summer, I applied for a Visa and that has been accepted and me and my wife Catherine are going to move full time to Los Angeles.

“I’ll do the same thing as last year but this time I’m going to stay there for good. When I say that, it could be three months or three years but I want to give it a good go on the USA circuit and in Dubai, Saudi when they come along – the dream is to find a horse for the Kentucky Derby.

“A lot of things changed this year and that’s why I came to my decision.

“I’ve probably had as good a year as I’ve ever had, I still feel good physically and I’ve just got to get it out of me. Going to California suits me, we don’t have to travel, the weather is good and my weight is good.

“I’d find it very difficult to just stop and there’s more inside of me I want to give.

“My focus is on America, I don’t want to go half-hearted, there will be no Guineas for me next year, I want a horse for the Kentucky Derby, I’m giving America my full commitment. Now my kids can look after themselves, I want to travel and that excites me, unchartered waters.”

Read ‘Horse Talk with Simon Jackson’ for top horse racing tips and the latest news.