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| Sumita Pawar |
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Popular jockey Frankie Dettori confirmed his participation in this year's Melbourne Cup Carnival.
In a surprising twist, Frankie Dettori's retirement plans have been put on hold as he seizes the opportunity to compete in the prestigious Melbourne Cup. Despite initially planning to retire after the Breeders' Cup, the Italian showman couldn't resist the allure of the elusive Melbourne Cup and the chance to showcase his equestrian skills on a grand stage.
With a trail of victories at Royal Ascot, including a breathtaking ninth Gr.1 Ascot Gold Cup, the legendary fifty two year old jockey, Frankie Dettori, has now set his sights on conquering Flemington during the prestigious Melbourne Cup Carnival. His saddle, filled with unparalleled equestrian prowess, will grace the tracks on Cup Day, Oaks Day, and Champions Stakes Day, leaving spectators in awe of his remarkable talent.
Dettori's Retirement On Hold: Chasing Melbourne Cup Dreams
Dettori has participated in the Melbourne Cup on 17 occasions, finishing as the runner-up twice with Central Park in 1999 and Max Dynamite in 2015.
Having triumphed in over 250 Group One races across the globe, including five victories in the prestigious Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Dettori's most recent Melbourne Cup ride in 2019 saw him cross the finish line in second place aboard Master Of Reality. However, due to a protest, he was subsequently demoted to fourth position.
Flemington, with the exception of a possible jaunt around Happy Valley in December for the Hong Kong International Races, could serve as the ultimate stage for Dettori's final triumphant dismount.
"I have achieved all there is to achieve in horse racing and have had a fantastic career, but the Lexus Melbourne Cup has always been one race that I would love to win," Dettori said.
"I am looking forward to returning to Melbourne to ride at the carnival for one final time and hopefully I can finish my career with a Melbourne Cup win."
In 1993, Dettori made his debut in the Melbourne Cup riding Drum-Taps and finished in ninth place, while Vintage Crop made history as the first international horse to win the prestigious race in Australia.
Steve Rosich, the chief executive of the Victoria Racing Club, is thrilled to have Dettori return to Flemington for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
"Frankie Dettori is one of the best jockeys and personalities the sport has ever seen and the VRC look forward to giving him a fitting farewell at Flemington at the Melbourne Cup Carnival," Rosich said.
"The Melbourne Cup is a race that jockeys across Australia and the world want to win, and this year will be no different."
This year's 2023 Melbourne Cup Carnival will feature over $30m in prizemoney spread across four days, including Derby Day (November 4), Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day, and Champions Stakes Day.