We recently caught up with our Global Racing Ambassador Frankie Dettori, and sat down with him to discuss the recent U.S season, his latest tips and insights, and all the latest news from the world of horse racing.
Read on to see what the world greatest jockey had to say and as you place your bets on the upcoming horse racing events here on Stake Sportsbook.
Where are you in the world, Frankie?
I am in Saratoga, where I am renting for the meet. I am living like a gypsy - I do not know where I am going from one minute to the next.
How has your season in the U.S. been so far?
It has gone pretty well but it is slightly slow right now in Saratoga. At points it has been tough as most of the big trainers have their own jockeys, so I am just picking up pieces. I had a winner the other day but overall it has been steady. Hopefully once I leave Saratoga it might become a little bit easier, more spread out, and hopefully we will have a good end to the season. I am enjoying it, though. I did much better last year, but I am still involved. I am taking it day by
day, enjoying what I am doing.
Do you miss the UK racing scene?
I will be honest, I miss the big days. But overall, I am happy with this new adventure. It is something new and it is refreshing my mind, it has given me a new challenge. I am pleased with my choice.
How important is it to have that fresh challenge?
Very important. I was a jockey in England for 36 years, so to have something new has given me a new purpose. Like I said, it is a new challenge, and I am embracing it. I have got nothing to prove, but it is good for my mind.
You have picked up a big ride in the National Derby on Wimbledon Hawkeye.
The Grenley family have always been close to me - I was their neighbour for 18 years! Tim is a good friend of mine, Bill as well. Tim was straight on the phone and I was delighted. It is a solid horse, the kind of horse that can do well in that kind of race.
It is a race worth $3.5 million, which highlights the difference between England and America. How can they offer that sort of prize money?
Casino money is a big part of the prize money at Kentucky Downs. Many tracks in America are attached to casinos, and that is how they create their revenue. It is good for us racing people, good for the owners. It feeds the food chain all the way down!
What did you make of Wimbledon Hawkeye’s run in the Gordon?
I thought it was a good run. We know he stays, and that is the key factor for the National Derby as it is a long race by American standards. So that is one tick. It is hard to compare European and American three-year-old form, but the one thing we know is that he stays the distance, and that is half the battle.
In England they are talking about going on strike in September over the new betting tax. Do you have sympathy with that?
I have got sympathy, yes. As long as everyone sticks together, I am all up for it. From the outside, something does not feel quite right. So if it can improve racing, I am all for it - they have got my full backing.
What are the main issues for a horse coming from the UK to America?
The biggest thing is the travel. You have got to put a horse on a plane and with that comes dehydration. The atmosphere is the same across the Northern Hemisphere, so that is not a big issue, unlike sending them to Australia where it is summer to winter. But people before me pioneered the way - they figured out how long it takes to ship a horse and still have it perform at its best. Now nobody thinks twice about sending a horse to America. The Breeders’ Cup was a big help in teaching people how to do it. Some horses travel well, some do not. You cannot force a horse to drink water if it does not want to. But systems have been refined over 40 years, so they know how to get a horse from A to B and still perform at its best. It is something people have learned from generations past.
What does the next six weeks look like for you?
My next project is Kentucky Downs. Then in the autumn it could be Keeneland, could be Del Mar - I am not sure yet, I will have to figure it all out. And of course the Breeders’ Cup in November.
Does The Breeders’ Cup clash with the Melbourne Cup? Would you like to ride in that again?
You can do both. I have done it before. Fly from LA to Melbourne on Saturday, arrive Monday morning. I even cornered Chris Waller at Royal Ascot and asked him for a ride...he just gave me a wink. You never know! I am up for anything and it would be a nice touch if I can get a ride.
Maybe he will bring Winx out of retirement..
That is being very optimistic!
What do you make of the track at York?
It is one of the best tracks, 100%. Not just the track but the enthusiasm the Yorkshire people have. Even on a normal Saturday you get a full house, people dress up, and really enjoy the racing. It is a wonderful track, I cannot stress that enough, and it has been for many years. I have got amazing memories there.
It has been a lucky track for me and I have ticked every box at York, so I will miss it, but I am really looking forward to seeing it.
Willie Mullins seems to be targeting the big staying flat races now - like the Ebor.
Yes, the Ebor is a stepping stone for the Melbourne Cup. Mullins has the stayers, he has got the jist of it now, and he is a powerful trainer you have to take notice of.
Do you think his flat success might whet his appetite for more?
The prize money is so much bigger than over jumps.
He has already been targeting Royal Ascot and the staying races there. Wherever he turns up, you have to pay attention.
Can you give us your nap, next best, and longshot for York this week?
The obvious banker is Minnie Hauk in the Yorkshire Oaks - she looks unbeatable.
In the Nunthorpe, it is a scramble, you could make a case for ten horses, but I would pick the Aussie horse Asfoora - consistent, solid and ran well at Ascot.
Finally, in the Ebor, I will stick with Ethical Diamond for Willie Mullins. He has done it before, you can rely on him.
Billy Loughnane just won his first Group 1 in Germany. What do you make of him?
He is a great boy. He came over in the spring, I looked after him a bit. He is not like me - he is super well-behaved! He is very talented and very natural on a horse, and for a tall lad he does well with his weight. I am excited for him, I think there are many more big wins to come.
What advice did you give him?
Do not fix what is not broken. He is doing everything right. Sometimes it is better not to interfere when things are going well. I just gave him a bit of confidence. He is humble and a great ambassador for racing.
How important is it to have personalities like him coming through?
Very important. With Ryan Moore, James Doyle, William Buick, they are established. But Billy is making a name for himself and that is great to see.
You always wanted to be a jockey, but if you could live life again, what would you have been?
A footballer. Being Italian, football is a big part of life. But I did not grow enough! I support Arsenal and they have started well. If I had a magic wand, I would love to have been a footballer.
What is the main difference you have found living and racing in the US compared to the UK?
Racing is more speed-oriented here, things move faster. But what I like is that you train and race in the same place for two or three months, there is less travelling than in England. Makes life easier, gives me more time with my wife. I am enjoying the different way of life!
When can we expect to see you back in the UK?
Good question... I do not know.
There is a new I’m a Celebrity All Stars series. Did you get the call?
Thank God, no! I have done it once and that is enough.
What was the experience like?
Exactly like you see on TV. You are in a jungle with poisonous animals, snakes, spiders, and limited food. I was OK because I do not eat much but the humidity was also difficult. I made good friends but I would not want to do it again. Nothing was faked, it is as hard as it looks.
