FRANKIE DETTORI’S 18-YEAR association with Godolphin is to come to an end, after the stable announced that the Italian will not be one of its retained riders next year.

Speculation about Dettori’s future grew when he accepted the mount on Coolmore’s Camelot in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. Dettori reportedly accepted the ride from Sheikh Mohammed fiercest rivals because he had grown
frustrated at having to share top billing at Godolphin with Mikael Barzalona.

Godolphin said in a statement that they felt the retainer with Dettori is ‘not really working,’ and he will turn freelance next year.

Racing manager Simon Crisford said: “We have had a tremendous association with Frankie over many years. He has achieved so much on behalf of Godolphin and has made the difference between winning and losing on so many occasions in the world’s biggest races.

“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.”

The 41-year-old Dettori confirmed that the split was mutual and that he felt the need for a change.

“I have had 18 wonderful years,” said Dettori. “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.”

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