• Horse Racing

Dettori and Godolphin part ways

ESPN staff
October 21, 2012
Frankie Dettori © PA Photos
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Jockey Frankie Dettori is to leave Godolphin after 18 years as retained rider.

He rode Godolphin's first Classic winner, Balanchine, in 1994 and added eight more Classic triumphs for Sheikh Mohammed's operation.

Godolphin's racing manager Simon Crisford said: "We have had a tremendous association with Frankie over many years. He has achieved so much. However, Frankie is looking for a fresh challenge and we felt that the retainer was not really working so this is the best way forward.

"We have had many great days together and we look forward to working with Frankie in the future and hopefully enjoying more success together. He remains a great friend - the difference next year will be that he will not be our retained jockey and will operate as a freelance instead."

Dettori said: "I have had 18 wonderful years. Godolphin has been a major part of everything I have achieved in racing and I have loved every minute of it.

"I feel the time has come for a change. My position in the stable has changed a little bit and I need a new challenge. Sheikh Mohammed has been an unbelievable boss to me. He had the confidence to take me on board when I was young and we smashed every record together.

"I will be forever grateful to him for everything he has done for me and for my family."

Mickael Barzalona and Silvestre de Sousa will be Godolphin's retained riders next year.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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