Frankie Dettori Hints At Royal Ascot Return Saying “Never Say Never”

Top jockey and Ascot legend Frankie Dettori was back at the Berkshire track this week – this time as a spectator. However, when collared by ITV Racing the pocket Italian, who is still riding in the US, didn’t rule out a return to Royal Ascot one day. 

Frankie Dettori Eludes To Royal Ascot Return 

Now aged 54, Frankie Dettori has had a career that could easily be made into a film. And it’s not over yet.

The popular rider famously retired at the end of 2023 after riding in Britain for 35 years.

But, in true ‘Frankie-Style’ he did a retirement U-turn to announce he was moving to America to ride in the US.

He’s been there ever since and is still firing in the winners. Including riding Raging Torrent to win the $1m Metropolitan Handicap at Saratoga earlier this month and winning 21 races in the US this season already.

However, Dettori, who rode a massive 81 winners at Royal Ascot, was taking a break from his race riding in America to return to Ascot this week.

“I will be there this year. There is a bit of a period from now until Saratoga, I will fly over this weekend, it is my daughter’s birthday and I will try and see as many kids as I can in my tribe of five, and show my face at Royal Ascot and see some old friends before I come back to Saratoga and start again.

“I use this opportunity to enjoy the racing and then see the family. Said Dettori

Top Jockey Was Offered Rides At Royal Ascot This Year

And when collared by ITV Racing presenter Oli Bell, Dettori said he missed Royal Ascot. Plus eluded to not ruling out riding at the meeting again.

It was also rumoured that Dettori was offered rides at this year’s Royal Ascot, but turned them down. Saying he didn’t think it was appropriate at this time.

But the Frankie Dettori’s Royal Ascot best bets were also revealed – picking out two fancies for Friday and Saturday.

"I still have the devil in my ear saying come on one more time!" 😈

Great to see @FrankieDettori at Royal Ascot 🏇@olibellracing | @ascot pic.twitter.com/26EuIH0znb

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 17, 2025

Frankie Dettori added to Oli Bell

“Never say never, at the moment I didn’t think it was appropriate to do it but who knows in the future. It’s nice to be here and it’s amazing racing through the week.

“I’ve got a different vibe today as I’m usually stressed out thinking about the racing but I’m seeing it from the other side of the fence.

“I’m all good at the moment, but there’s a little tear in my eye that I’m not riding. Never say never!

“America is a new challenge to me, it’s all new and at this stage of my career I’m having to prove myself again, it’s a new experience”

Frankie Dettori Declared Himself Bankrupt At The Start Of 2025

Earlier this year in March, Frankie Dettori also filed for bankruptcy.

The veteran rider had a petition filed on his behalf in March 2025 after his tax details were questioned by HMRC.

“I am saddened and embarrassed by this outcome and would advise others to take a stronger rein over their financial matters.”

“Bankruptcy is a major decision and its consequences will affect me for many years. I am relieved to be drawing a line on this long-term matter, which enables me to reset and focus on my international riding career.” Said Dettori

Frankie Dettori Rode 81 Royal Ascot Winners 

Over the years Frankie Dettori and Royal Ascot went hand-in-hand and with 81 winners at the meeting was certainly the ‘punter’s pal’.

With his first winner at Royal Ascot coming in the 1990 Queen Anne Stakes on Markofdistinction.

He went onto win the Ascot Gold Cup nine times. The first with Drum Taps in 1992 and his most recent Courage Mon Ami in 2023 (watch below)

WATCH: Frankie Dettori Winning The 2023 Ascot Gold Cup On Courage Mon Ami

Frankie Dettori Famously Landed A Seven-Timer At Ascot in 1996 (But Not Royal Ascot)

Ascot racecourse and Frankie Dettori will also always be forever remembered for his seven-timer in 1996.

This didn’t, however, come at the Royal Ascot meeting – but in their September Saturday fixture.

He fired in EVERY winner on the card, costing the best horse racing betting sites in the UK millions.

Frankie Dettori’s Magnificent Seven Winners